32 bit or 64 bit?

Question

My wife has an Inspiron 1501 with a AMD Sempron 3500 processor. How do I tell if this is a 32 or 64 bit?

PETER345 · Answer

Tools like cpuz or everest should tell you. I've never used them with AMD processors, but I think they will work. Peter

ejn63 · Answer

The mobile Sempron is 64 bit.

bicyclebill1 · Answer

She got the free Vista Home Premium upgrade because she bought the laptop in December. Does that mean the Vista CD she got is also 64 bit, or could they have sent 32 bit, and it work on 64 bit, just not using all it can of the processor. It's a little confusing.   Thanks, Bill

ejn63 · Answer

They shipped the 32-bit version. The problem with the 64-bit version is that it is not compatible with a lot of common, 32-bit software, and there are few hardware drivers for such devices as printers, cameras, scanners, etc. (32-bit drivers won't work). If you decide to try the 64-bit version, you will likely have to upgrade a lot of software and should check for driver availability fo your peripherals, or you could wind up with a lot of new hardware purchases to make - there is no 64 bit support for a lot of common peripherals.

bicyclebill1 · Answer

Got it, but you did not say wheather the 32 bit version will work on her 64 bit or not, and if so, is it advisable, or should she she stay with XP for a while? Thanks, Bill

ejn63 · Answer

Either will work. I wouldn't even think of using Vista on that system without 2G of system RAM - and you will see a performance drop using Vista vs. XP on that system, so unless there are compelling reasons to use Vista, I would stick with XP.

bicyclebill1 · Answer

Thanks, then thats what I will do. Vista seems to be nothing but a drain on system resources from what I have read. There really doesn't seem to be enough good in it to offset the resource drain and the problem of incompatability with so much. Is this a good assumption on my part. I am setting here with a Vista Home Premium upgrade that is of no use to me basically. Any input form anyone on this post will be appreciated. Thanks,

tyea · Answer

Bicycling is great.   I installed Vista 32 bit on my girlfriend's 2003 vintage Dell I-8200 laptop, and it works fine except for dvd playback, which has been solved by downloading DVD player softare (codec) from Power DVD. You should download from Microsoft and run the 'Vista Upgrade Advisor'. It will identify any hardware isssues you may have. The experts say Vista has much improved security for the average user, which is enough for me to upgrade given the increasing threat of identity theft these days.

bicyclebill1 · Answer

Thanks for your reply. I decided to go ahead with XP Pro, since it works and is proven. I'll just hang on to the Vista 'til later. I just saw no reason to go to it, other than to have the latest thing out subject to some possible problems. Not with the hassel to me. thanks,

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32 bit or 64 bit?

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