The Core 2 Duo IS 64 bit. The Core Duo is not.

The core2duo is not a TRUE 64bit processor since it uses a 32-bit system bus.

This means that it can compute 64bit operations internally but it takes twice as long to return them to memory.

The only thing this affects is performance - the Core2 can run all 64bit applications natively.

Running a 32-bit OS, no. Running a 64-bit OS, yes, it will be. It'll also be capable of addressing more than 3.x G of RAM.

BEFORE you buy a 64-bit version of Windows, you should realize you may have to upgrade some software (particularly system utilities and antivirus software). You should also thoroughly check your peripherals - there are many devices (printers, scanners, fax, mice, cameras, etc.) for which no 64-bit drivers exist -- and 32-bit drivers will not work.

The Core2 Duo is a fully functional 64-bit processor. It DOES have 32-bit external connections, but that has nothing to do with the operating system - you can run a 64-bit OS on a Core 2.

So it's no faster than a 32-bit processor?