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    64 bit OS on 32 bit Hardware

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Ryan314, Jul 3, 2009.

  1. Ryan314

    Ryan314 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi guys, sorry if this has been asked a dozen times already but I've tried googling and everyone seems to have a different answer.

    I'm going to download Windows 7 shortly, and I want to get the 64 bit version. That said, I'm have a 32 bit processor (P8700 2.53ghz).

    I was just wondering if there's going to be too much of a performance hit running the OS, or whether I should go with the 32 bit version.

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Budding

    Budding Notebook Virtuoso

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    Intel P8700 is 64 bit...
     
  3. Deathwinger

    Deathwinger Notebook Virtuoso

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    OWNED!


    :10chars:
     
  4. Hep!

    Hep! sees beauty in everything

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    If you had a 32 bit processor, you COULDN'T run a 64 bit OS, PERIOD.
    That said, you DO have a 64 bit processor. So you'll see a performance gain, not a performance hit... if you notice a difference at all, that is.
     
  5. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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    As mentioned, the P8700 is a 64-bit processor (as are all Core 2 Duo processors). So, you can run it.

    The main reason that some people may prefer not to is compatibility... 32-bit Windows has a little bit better backward compatibility. 64-bit Windows can make use of 4 gb or more of RAM, plus it has a few little advantages in performance and security. There are lots of thrreads here on choosing 32- or 64-bit Windows, so you may want to do a search if you want to know more about it.