Pentium D 820 64 bit?

Question

I'm still a little confused :o(

Is the chip in my Dimension 9150 (Pentium D 820) 64 bit?

I have just order the RC1 Vista to test for work and I would like to know if my 9150 can handle the 64 bit version of Vista or should I stay with the 32 bit?

Thanks in advance.

Jeff

mjwood · Answer

Tnx Jeff

woochman · Answer

You don't have to, I just always keep my BIOS current, especially when upgrading to a newer OS.

mjwood · Answer

Thanks for the quick reply. My BIOS is A03, and I see the most current is A05... is it really necessary? Any problems doing this (upgrading BIOS)? Wrong forum to ask?! Jeff

RoHe · Answer

Before you load 64-bit Vista, make certain that 64-bit drivers exist for all your installed hardware and peripherals. There was a post just this week complaining because network card in their Dell doesn't work with 64-bit Vista because there was no 64-bit driver.

And back up your personal files too, in case something goes amiss or you decide to uninstall Vista and revert to XP. Chances are the Dell Symantec PC Restore partition will be lost so you'll need XP CD and 32-bit drivers to revert, if necessary.

Ron

woochman · Answer

Yes, the Pentium D 800 series incorporates EM64T, so you can install a 64-Bit OS on your machine.  Before installing Vista, I recommend upgrading your BIOS to the most recent revision.  Message Edited by woochman on 09-26-2006 08:11 PM

woochman · Answer

Yes, drivers will most likely be your biggest hurdle.  You can also do a dual-boot environment, and then remove the Vista partition and boot loader when you're through . . .

mjwood · Answer

Tnx for the heads-up about drivers and dual boot. I need my machine for work, so the dual boot option is the safest for me... already partitioned my 2nd HD. User files will most certainly be backed up (been burned before).

Cheers

Jeff

lbeck02 · Answer

I have an E510 with the Intel 3 Ghz processor and the promotional material for the Dell says that it's '64-bit ready.'  I plan to load the Vista beta and got to the point of needing to choose 32 or 64 bit version.  I came to this thread and from reading the cautions I probably need to either consider dual boot or 32 bit.  I think I'll choose 32 bit since it involves less research into my hardware and applications and the dual-boot for me has been a hassle in the past (System Commander software).  My questions are:   1. Will I be able to easily switch later to 64 bit without a total OS reinstall, and 2. What will I be missing with the 32-bit version of Vista (rather than 64).   If the answers to these are 'yes' and 'not much' then I'll download the 32 bit version and later take the time to research what new drivers etc. that I'll need, if any, to keep my stuff going with the 64 bit version.   Thanks,   Lee Message Edited by Lee Beck on 09-27-2006 07:05 AM

mjwood · Answer

Good questions. I've just download the 64 bit version and plan a dual boot... wish me luck :o)

mjwood · Answer

FYI - installed Vista 64 bit last night all seems fine. Old printer won't work ... no driver... the MCE part little iffy. May try 32 bit version and compare. Jeff

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Pentium D 820 64 bit?

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