Bootable software to reveal 64 bit capability?

teckneeculler · 03 Nov 2016

I've been handed an Acer Extensa 5220 laptop that has no OS. The 225GB HDD has been wiped.

The owner wants to install a 64-bit system.

Anyone know of bootable software that will reveal if the processor\mobo will accept 64-bit?

Acer's website says only that 'some' of the 5220 models are 64-bit capable.

Later: Problem solved. I used the 'suck it and see' method - threw in the W7 install DVD and the system accepted a 64-bit install. Proceeding now.

However, if anyone has successfully used bootable software such as I've described above, it would likely be helpful for other users.

Megahertz07 · 03 Nov 2016

I would say that all new CPU's (multi core) are able to run 64 bits.
If it has less than 3G of memory, use 32 bits. If it has more, use 64 bits.

teckneeculler · 03 Nov 2016

Yeah, but how do you define 'new CPU's'? I mean, this machine's CPU is a cruddy old Celeron of unknown age and the BIOS (which is the only place that CPU info shows up without a bootable info disc) says nothing about 'multi-core'.

And re ram, it's only running 1GB.

But the 64-bit installation has now finished and all seems to be OK.

So...?

AddRAM · 04 Nov 2016

So..... see how many pieces it will shatter into when thrown off a 10 story building

Megahertz07 · 04 Nov 2016

Memory minimum requirements for 64 bits is 2G (recommended > 4G)
Memory minimum requirements for 32 bits is 1G (recommended > 2G)
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...m-requirements

AddRAM · 04 Nov 2016

Max out the memory on a laptop, always :)

teckneeculler · 05 Nov 2016

You may be right, guys. But nonetheless, this 8-year old laptop with a very modest Celeron CPU and 1GB of ram is running W7 Ultimate 64-bit without a hiccup. Go figure.

ThrashZone · 06 Nov 2016

Hi,
Running 64 bit and running it well is a large difference
Nothing wrong with 32 bit i have it on a dual core processor that is 64 bit compatible it only has 3gb's of ram and that is why it came preinstalled with 32 bit
That and 32 bit is supposed to be more battery friendly besides the majority of programs use 32 bit processes even on a 64 bit install.