It does seem odd that you can order the system with a 64-bit processor but not with a 64--bit OS. I'll ask the moderators to look at this issue.

But if you're planning to buy a full copy of Win 7 64-bit, you can ask Dell if there's an option to purchase your system without an OS and perhaps save a little. I don't know if they'll do that, but worth a try.

Keep in mind that if you wipe the hard drive to install the 64-bit OS you'll lose any free software they provided and access to Dell's PC Restore partition which resets the hard drive to exactly the way they shipped it, including the OS, drivers and the free software.

Ron

Thanks Ron,

I'm well aware of what path I'd be going down if I wiped the disk and I'd prefer not to.  However I now understand that the same OS key can be used for both 32 and 64 bit versions within the same edition, so it would just be a matter of sourcing 64 bit media - which I can do through my MSDN account.  So it would not be a financial loss for me to do a wipe and install.

Peter

Sometimes Dell will sell systems without an OS - generally the business line of computers, but I have heard that it is limited to bulk orders and/or only with accompanying VL purchases.  I am not sure on that however.  You might be able to get them to send you 64-bit installation media - the key will work, but generally they can only send what was purchased.  Maybe they can work with you, as x64 is not available.  I'd say just push the issue with your Sales Rep.

You probably already know this, but I though I'd mention it just in case.  If you choose to install using MSDN media, your Dell key will not work.  You must have a matching MSDN/VL key to activate, which I'm assuming you would already have with your MSDN account.  The Dell key will only work if installed using Dell-branded media.

Hi theFlash,

I have been researching keys and just found that out that I will need oem media, which confirms what you say.  

This is getting to be a frustrating experience.  I'm not faulting Dell for making the choices that they do, but it is starting to make their competitors look attractive and i am not tied to buying Dell.  I now know of 4 major brands that still make systems with serial ports and three of them offer 64 bit systems out of the box.

Agreed.  I used to work for Dell in Server support, and even with the discount we got, I bought an HP laptop (two of them), because Dell couldn't provide a solution for the needs I had, where HP could.  Things like their Inspiron notebooks couldn't be configured with a 7200RPM drive and the Studio had no graphics (some of that  has changed now, but that was part of my dilemma before).  It just seems like these are simple requests - different hard drive, different OS (which is also supported),

The OEM vs VL vs Retail question is one for Microsoft, as it is ultimately their licensing scheme.  For most it is a good deal to be able to buy a machine with OEM software, as it can save them money, but for others, that OEM discount comes at a steeper price.  I am a little confused as to why they have x64 drivers listed for that system, but it is not available for purchase that way.

You  don't have to have Dell media to install Win 7 64-bit on this system. You can install the OS obtained through your MSDN account as long as Microsoft supplies a valid product key. You just won't be able to use the Dell product key to activate the OS from MSDN.

I queried Dell support and here's what they said, quote:

In that case, you might want to see if it's cheaper with Ubuntu than Win 7 32-bit, and get the Win 7 64-bit from whatever source you prefer. 

It also makes no sense to me that Dell offers the 64-bit drivers but not the OS. But at least having the drivers will make it easier for you to install the 64-bit OS. :emotion-5:

Ron

I can only guess, but here goes - since the 5510 is limited to 4 GBytyes of RAM, a 64 bit O/S buys you very little.  I have a latitute D820,with 4 GBytes of RAM, I am also a MSDN subscriber.  I did install Window 7 64 bit on it.  Needed no drivers from Dell.  Works with no problem. 

msgale -

Good point! But at least with the 64-bit processor and OS, you'll be able to use all 4 GB, whereas a 32-bit processor and OS will only use ~3.2 to ~3.5 GB. A small increment, but every little bit helps. :emotion-11:

Ron

I had the same thought, which is how I found this - says max is 8GB:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/late5510/en/sfits/sfits_en.pdf

msgate,

Are you sure that the 5510 is limited to 4Gb?  The specs say that it supports 8Gb modules, and it has 2 DIMM slots.  The Core 2 Duo would only have supported 4Gb, but you can spec out an E5510 with an i7-620M.  It would be plain crazy  to allow that CPU and only support 4Gb of RAM.  This would be a definite deal beaker if that was the case.

BTW did you use the Dell or MSDN key to enable your Win 7 install?  I don't like the idea of burning through an MSDN license when I paid for most of one to Dell.