32-bit Windows only recognizes a maximum of 4GB of RAM (actually ~3.5GB). If your older machine has 4GB or more, a 64-bit Lite version is necessary to utilize that memory.
Typically boots using less than 500MB-700MB of RAM, leaving more resources for applications.
Since these ISO files are modified by third parties (not Microsoft), they may contain pre-installed malware or backdoors.
While performance may improve, using an unofficial "Lite" version carries significant risks:
Windows 7 Home Premium Lite x64: Breathing New Life into Older Hardware
x64 versions include hardware-backed security features like Data Execution Prevention (DEP) that are more robust than their 32-bit counterparts. Performance Benefits
Services and startup items are disabled to reduce boot time and memory usage. Why Choose a "Lite" Version of Windows 7?
Most "Lite" builds strip out Microsoft’s tracking and data collection services.
The legality of Windows 7 "Lite" editions is a grey area, but it heavily leans toward in most scenarios.