64 bit on 32 bit hardware

[ken1]

Hello,
Can I install a 64 bit OS on a 32 bit hardware platform?

 

[Computerrock1]

Depends, what hardware is 32 bit? I mean, I haven't seen a 32 bit machine in a while. Which means your computer is old. Which begs the question, why do you want a 64 bit system if its an old system that probably won't even use more the 2 Gigs of memory. Without 4 Gigs of memory in your system, a 64 bit OS will only slow your system down.

 

[ken1]

Its a windows box, CPU is 32 bit, and was looking to see if I can install a 64bit OS on this computer, or do I need to purchase a computer that has a 64 bit CPU.

 

[Computerrock1]

What are the hardware specs?

 

[jefe323]

what processor do you have? most processors these days support a 64 bit os

 

[Computerrock1]

nvm

 

[ken1]

Its a Dell Optiplex 960 and CPU is:

Dual core Intel, E8400 @ 3.0GHz.

 

[Computerrock1]

With this processor, yes it does have 64 bit compatibility. Check this link out: http://apcmag.com/forum.htm?g=posts&m=641

 

[jefe323]

according to intel, your processor is 64 bit capable (so you should be fine)

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=33910

 

[Computerrock1]

However, I wouldn't suggest a 64 bit system unless you have 4 gigs of memory or more.

 

[ken1]

with it being "capable", does that mean that I can install a 64 bit OS, but that some of the 64 bit functions will not work because its running on a 32 bit cpu?

 

[Computerrock1]

It will run just fine, but how much memory/RAM does your system have? Capable is just like saying integrated, you will have all the same features as an integrated cpu.

 

[jefe323]

you can install the 64 bit os and all the 64 bit functions will be available for you.

but like Computerrock1 said above, if you have under 4GB of RAM, then there is really no point in moving from 32 bit

 

[ken1]

thanks Computerrock1 and jefe323 for your responses.

.. and I understand about the memory limitation. Now to begin the install...

-K

 

[cjl]

with it being "capable", does that mean that I can install a 64 bit OS, but that some of the 64 bit functions will not work because its running on a 32 bit cpu?

Why do you keep saying that it's a 32 bit CPU?

The E8400 is a 64 bit CPU.

 

[loneninja]

cjl is right, the E8400 like the rest of the Core2 generation of processors is 64bit.

 

[ken1]

From these responses and the research done, I now realize that it wasn't correct to call it a 32 bit processor.

thanks to all who have responded.