Ramanjaneyulu Dayinaboyina: CAN MOST INTEL PROCESSORS RUN 64-BIT WINDOWS 7? SUCH AS ALL THE I7, I5, CORE 2 DUO, DUAL CORE, SINGLE CORE WITH HT, AND EVEN JUST SINGLE CORE?

What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows?

The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (also called a CPU), handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system. For more details, go to A description of the differences between 32-bit versions of Windows Vista and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista online.

How can I tell if my computer is running a 32-bit or a 64-bit version of Windows?

To find out if your computer is running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows, do the following:

1. Open System by clicking the Start button

, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking System.

2. Under System, you can view the system type.

Which version of Windows Vista should I install: the 32-bit version or the 64-bit version?

To install a 64-bit version of Windows Vista, you need a processor that's capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows. The benefits of using a 64-bit operating system are most apparent when you have a large amount of random access memory (RAM) installed on your computer (typically 4 GB of RAM or more). In such cases, because a 64-bit operating system can handle large amounts of memory more efficiently than a 32-bit operating system, a 64-bit operating system can be more responsive when running several programs at the same time and switching between them frequently.

For more information about the benefits of running 64-bit computers, go to Understanding 64-bit PCs online.

How do I tell if my computer can run a 64-bit version of Windows?

To run a 64-bit version of Windows, your computer must have a 64-bit-capable processor. To find out if your processor is 64-bit-capable, do the following:

1. Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button

, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Performance Information and Tools.

2. Click View and print details.

3. In the System section, you can see what type of operating system you're currently running under System type. Under 64-bit capable, you can see whether you can run a 64-bit version of Windows. (If your computer is already running a 64-bit version of Windows, you won't see the 64-bit capable listing.)

Can I upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows?

No. If you are currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 32-bit version of Windows. Similarly, if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 64-bit version of Windows.

If you want to move from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows Vista or vice versa, you'll need to back up your files and then choose the Custom option during Windows Vista installation. Then, you'll need to restore your files and reinstall your programs. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows Vista.

For detailed information about installing and upgrading 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows, go to Installation choices for Windows Vista (32-bit) or Installation choices for Windows Vista (64-bit) online.

Notes

· To install a 64-bit version of Windows on a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows, you'll need to start, or boot, your computer using a 64-bit Windows installation disc.

· If you start your computer using a 64-bit Windows installation disc, but your computer isn't capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows, you'll see a Windows Boot Manager error. You'll need to use a 32-bit Windows installation disc instead.

Can I run 32-bit programs on a 64-bit computer?

Most programs designed for the 32-bit version of Windows will work on the 64-bit version of Windows. Notable exceptions are many antivirus programs.

Device drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows won't work on computers running a 64-bit version of Windows. If you're trying to install a printer or other device that only has 32-bit drivers available, it won't work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows. If you are unsure whether there is a 64-bit driver available for your device, go online to the Windows Vista Compatibility Center.

Can I run 64-bit programs on a 32-bit computer?

If the program is specifically designed for the 64-bit version of Windows, it won't work on the 32-bit version of Windows. (However, most programs designed for the 32-bit version of Windows will work on the 64-bit version of Windows.)

Device drivers designed for the 64-bit version of Windows won't work on computers running a 32-bit version of Windows. To learn how to check for drivers, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly or go to the device manufacturer's website.

How can I find programs and devices that work with the 64-bit version of Windows Vista?

If I'm running a 64-bit version of Windows, do I need 64-bit drivers for my devices?

Yes, all hardware devices need 64-bit drivers to work on a 64-bit version of Windows. Drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows won't work on computers running 64-bit versions of Windows.

If you are unsure whether there is a 64-bit driver available for your device, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly or go to the device manufacturer's website.

You can also go online to the Windows Vista Compatibility Center, or get information about drivers by going to the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor website.

Can most Intel processors run 64-bit Windows 7? Such as all the

i7, i5, Core 2 Duo, Dual Core, Single Core with HT, and even just Single Core?

I think a popular view is that if you can run 64-bit Windows 7, then use it? It might have driver compatibility issue but if there is no device hooked up, then there is no problem?

What about some software / games not compatible with the 64-bit version or may run slower? thanks.

update: a couple of my machines have 4GB RAM. so 64-bit Win 7 can make use of the full 4GB RAM instead of only about 3.2GB Q6600 2.4GHz CPU 2.5Gb RAM 9400GT 1Gb Graphics card Oh yes it can!

The vast majority of new processors do.

If you have any doubts, and know the (potential) processor model, you can use the Intel website to find out.

This will lead you to a page like this:

Whereupon, if you click the specifications link, it will show you if 64 bit can be used:

There's not much reason nowadays to not use a 64bit OS if you have more than 3GB of memory, but if you don't you may wish to stick with 32bit just in case there are any compatibility problems - but at this point it will be rare if ever, especially with windows 7, and you may see a performance boost in some of your apps.

If this is for anything other than your home PC however, such as for something at your business, be sure to test any programs you rely on thoroughly first.

Windows 7 system requirements

If you want to run Windows 7 on your PC, here's what it takes:

· 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor

· 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)

· 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)

· DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

Additional requirements to use certain features:

· Internet access (fees may apply)

· Depending on resolution, video playback may require additional memory and advanced graphics hardware

· Some games and programs might require a graphics card compatible with DirectX 10 or higher for optimal performance

· For some Windows Media Center functionality a TV tuner and additional hardware may be required

· Windows Touch and Tablet PCs require specific hardware

· HomeGroup requires a network and PCs running Windows 7

· DVD/CD authoring requires a compatible optical drive

· BitLocker requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2

· BitLocker To Go requires a USB flash drive

· Windows XP Mode requires an additional 1 GB of RAM and an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space.

· Music and sound require audio output

Product functionality and graphics may vary based on your system configuration. Some features may require advanced or additional hardware.

PCs with multi-core processors:
Windows 7 was designed to work with today's multi-core processors. All 32-bit versions of Windows 7 can support up to 32 processor cores, while 64‑bit versions can support up to 256 processor cores.

PCs with multiple processors (CPUs):
Commercial servers, workstations, and other high-end PCs may have more than one physical processor. Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate allow for two physical processors, providing the best performance on these computers. Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, and Home Premium will recognize only one physical processor.

Quick questions and maybe a stupid one,

Does a version of windows 7 64 bit require a 64 bit CPU? Would I be unable to install Windows 7 with a 32 bit CPU?

Thanks

Message edited by fluffage0 on 02-11-2011 at 06:04:12 AM

Windows 7 64-bit absolutely requires a 64-bit CPU. If you have a 32-bit CPU Microsoft offers 32-bit versions of Windows 7, and you'll have to use the 32-bit version.

If you have a 32-bit CPU in your system it must be fairly old and it may not be able to handle Windows 7. What are the specs of this system you want to install Windows 7 on?

Almost all desktop processors built since 05/06 are 64bit capable, what processor do you have?

In answer to your question, 64bit operating systems require 64bit compatible hardware, which would include the CPU.

^ +1

If you have a 32bit CPU your computer is too old for any version on Windows 7 to run well on. Everything since 2005 or so has been 64 bit. What are your system specs?

------------------------------ i7 2600K @ 4.5/P67A UD4/Scythe Mugen 2 Rev B/OCZ Vertex 2 120GB/2xWD 640 Blacks/Antec 1200/Samsung 23in LED LCD/EVGA GTX 460/2x4GB GSkill Ripjaws X DDR3 1600 7-8-7-24/Windows 7 Ultimate x64/Corsair 750TX

Wow identical post times ninja lol

Hey everyone, thanks for the replies.   My specs atm are:
Intel Core Duo E8400 3.00 GHz    4GB RAM   nForce 750i mobo
I guess I'll just have to bite the bullet and get a CPU and new MOBO before the 64bit upgrade, eh?   No. The e8400 is 64-bit capable. Awesome!

Other than not getting the full advantages of running a 64 bit CPU... is there any real down side to use Windows 7 64 bit on the 32 bit CPU?

Is Windows 7 just going to run exceptionally slow? I do plan on getting an i7 with a 1366 mobo later this year anyways, but I did want to go ahead and get Windows 7 now.

Ramanjaneyulu Dayinaboyina

9, నవంబర్ 2012, శుక్రవారం

CAN MOST INTEL PROCESSORS RUN 64-BIT WINDOWS 7? SUCH AS ALL THE I7, I5, CORE 2 DUO, DUAL CORE, SINGLE CORE WITH HT, AND EVEN JUST SINGLE CORE?