64 bit ready

eMachines EL1200-01e SFF desktop PC is powered by an AMD Athlon 2650e 1.6GHz processor.


I realize this forum is not about specifc computer brands. But I thought I would ask if anyone knew.

I did a Belarc Advisor on the above desktop. And Belarc states that this machine is "64 bit ready".

I have no idea what 64 bit ready means. I assume a pc computer is either 32 bit or 64 bit.

Anyone know what 64 bit ready means? Does it just mean that it is 64 bit?

It means that your processor can handle 64-bit Windows 7 or Vista. In 64-bit architecture you can use more than 4gb of ram. In 32-bit the OS will only recognize just over 3gb of ram even if you have more installed. I have 3gb of ram in my laptop and still run 64-bit Windows 7 because it is faster and more secure than 32-bit Windows. 64-bit is still relatively new, so if you do go to 64-bit make sure that there are drivers available for your devices before you adventure into it. Also, some older apps will not run on 64-bit Windows.