Questions regarding AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ processor

[Guest]

Hi,

I’m not very experienced when it comes to PCs so please be easy on me, and try not to take my questions as silly.

I was recently given a PC with the AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ processor installed. I would appreciate confirmation that this is indeed two 64-bit processors. I have attempted to Google the information, but in all honesty I don’t really understand information received!

If 64-bit, how does this affect software compatibility? The OS installed is 32-bit Windows Vista Home Premium. I see that some software is not compatible with 64-bit machines – or is that 64-bit operating systems?

I am planning, after reading books I have bought, on using the machine to learn more about virtualisation (VMware in particular). Incidentally, the machine has 3GB of RAM.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
J

 

[nsimo86]

although the processor is capable of running 64bit, you have a 32 bit OS so you wont have any issues with compatibility.

 

[jerseygamer]

Its 2 cores that are 64 bit compatable. The above poster is right. You need a 64bit OS to run 64 bit apps.

 

[curnel_D]

Yup, you have absolutely nothing to worry about.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the speedy response all, much appreciated.