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MechWarrior Online patches in 64-bit client
If you want to hang with the cool kids, you're going to want to ditch that creaky 32-bit client and get with the sleek 64-bit crowd! It worked for the Nintendo 64, and it's now working for MechWarrior Online. As part of the big patch rolling out today, MechWarrior Online is offering an "experimental release" of its new 64-bit client. This client supposedly uses all available RAM for better performance, but can be only handled by 64-bit versions of Windows. Other changes with the patch include several UI improvements that will make it easier to see who is queueing up for matches and which side is winning certain territories.
World of Warcraft patch 4.3.3 64-bit client
Blizzard has released new 64-bit clients for patch 4.3.3 today. Keep in mind that you need to remove the previous 64-bit client files before patching. After that's done, you can install these files: Windows patch 4.3.3 64-bit client download link Mac patch 4.3.3 64-bit client download link As a reminder, the 64-bit client is also considered a beta product, even though you can use it on the live realms. But with that said, most people experience only good things and no real problems with the 64-bit version of WoW. But if you do run into problems, be sure to let Blizzard know about them. If you have no idea what any of this means, take a look at our brief explainer of the difference between 32- and 64-bit game clients. The full Blizzard post after the break.
Official patch notes for patch 4.3.2
Patch 4.3.2 is at hand, and you can find the full list of patch notes after the cut. If you haven't been keeping track, this is not a content patch; it just updates some features, fixes some bugs, and adds the new 64-bit client (finally). Also of note: Players can no longer receive two of the same item at the same time when winning loot from a Raid Finder boss, Vengeance no longer acts off player damage, and Aspect of the Hawk got a big ol' buff. Update: The patch will not be releasing today after all, barring some sort of miracle. Remember, if Blizzard hasn't said it, it isn't guaranteed. Sorry! But heck, why don't you brush up on your patch notes anyway?
What's the difference between a 32- and 64-bit client?
One of the most frequently asked questions around here these days is what exactly the difference is between a 32- and 64-bit client of World of Warcraft. Blizzard, which has been hinting at a 64-bit WoW client for some time now, has finally announced that such a client exists and can be downloaded for testing on the PTR. This is great news for people with computers that have large amounts of RAM and hefty processors, as well as great news for general improvements to WoW's structure itself. In order to use a 64-bit client of WoW, you need to have a 64-bit operating system on your computer. The main difference between 32- and 64-bit operating systems (usually Windows) is that one deals with information in a more efficient way. Information in a 32-bit operating system is dealt with in pieces of information that are 32 bits wide, while 64-bit operating systems deal with information that is 64 bits wide -- double the alternative. With this larger bit structure comes better efficiency and the ability to use or "see" more RAM in your computer. 32-bit systems can only use 4 gigabytes of RAM and your 32-bit WoW client can only use 2 gigabytes, whereas the amount a 64-bit system can use is almost unlimited. While we don't fully know exactly what improvements to the game will come with the 64-bit client, we can assume that more efficient processing power and the ability to stack more RAM for WoW to use might give some players a big frame rate boost and better performance. Lifehacker has an old article about how to tell if you have a 32- or 64-bit operation system.
Patch 4.3.2 PTR official patch notes
Patch 4.3.2 is going to be a relatively minor patch, with one or two big changes -- the 64-bit game client we mentioned earlier today and the cross-realm Raid Finder feature. This is not a content patch, it's a patch with new features (rather than new dungeons or raids). That said, there's still a handful of class changes also going live with patch 4.3.2, and the official patch notes posted earlier today helpfully point them all out. In the Raid Finder, players can no longer win multiple copies of the same item on a single roll. Vengeance will no longer be triggered by taking damage from other players. Hunters, Aspect of the Hawk will now grant roughly 35% more attack power. Priests, Mass Dispel should now be working correctly and prefer dispelling targets that have magic affects that can actually be dispelled.
