Do I need more RAM for programming if I switch to a 64 Bit OS?

Do I need more RAM for programming if I switch to a 64 Bit OS? Given that today (for performance reasons?) variables are usually aligned to the "bit-width" (I wanted to use "word-width" here, but on x86 a "word" is still 16 bits right?) of the processor, would switching from a 32 bit OS to its 64 bit version double the RAM usage?
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Total answers/comments: 2

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Guest [Entry]

"There will generally be some increase, but rarely near double.
Some info here :

http://www.codeguru.com/cpp/cpp/cpp_mfc/tutorials/article.php/c15711/"

Guest [Entry]

"ehh...

I have noticed that typically when you install x64 over x86 system, programs that are compiled for just x64 typically take up a bit more memory, however it is only marginal.

That being said, as always, more memory is always better!"