Do I have a 64bit computer without realising it?

B

binary_finary

New Member
Hi everyone,

Was recently thinking about upgrading to Windows 7. I use my computer for music production, and some software synths (Omnisphere for example) are quite RAM intensive but as Windows XP is limited to using 3GB, I want to upgrade to 7 so I can install 6 or 8 gb.

Anyway, in looking into this more I've realised I think I actually have a 64bit system, and have done since early 2008 without even realising it. Then, in looking into it even more, I've really managed to confuse myself with RAM speeds, etc. to the point I think I've been using RAM that's slower than I could have used and I'm even thinking ASUS have got it wrong!

So, I'm kindly asking for some advice. Sorry it's a bit confusing but I'm really confused myself here.

Firstly, the specs and the sources of my confusion:

CPU - Intel Q6600, 2.4ghz. 8mb L2 and a 1066mhz FSB. It's also "Intel 64" according to Intel's website, which I presume means its 64-bit?

Mobo - ASUS P5W64 WS. This is where it get's confusing. The box I have in front of me says "1333/1066/800/533 FSB". However their website, which carries a picture of that very box, says the max FSB is 1066. Since writing this I've realised this doesn't matter as my CPU FSB is 1066 not 1333, however, for memory it says "DDR2 800/667/533". Surely if it's got a CPU and FSB running at 1066mhz, it can use 1066mhz (DDR2 PC-8500) RAM, instead of the 800mhz (DDR2 PC-6400) RAM I've got in it? The box/website seems to suggest that PC6400 is the max. Why?

Memory - 2GB of DDR2 PC-6400 (800mhz). I've got 2x 1gb sticks. They're Corsair and have big heatsinks on them, which means they both look, and run, cool. In fact, by pure coincidence, the picture on the "DDR2 SDRAM" page on Wikipedia, is the exact same as I'm using. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:High_Performance_RAM.jpg - If you're interested!) But surely ditching this and getting some PC-8500 would be better? Surely using PC-6400 means the FSB, and therefore the whole computer, isn't being used to it's full capability?

I must also point out that this is a very stable system as it stand: I'm overclocking it to 3.11ghz using ASUS's handy (and safe) AI Booster software, currently set to the "Overclock 30%" profile. Noticably faster but perhaps not ideal given my RAM situation?

So have I got this all wrong?

I need to know if I can/should do the following:

1. Ditch the current RAM and buy 4, 6 or even 8GB of PC-8500 RAM? Or just buy more PC-6400? I need more RAM regardless.

2. Upgrade to Windows 7 giving me a fully functional 64-bit system?

3. I have MOTU PCI-324 soundcard. Will the drivers still work on Win 7? They're quite old and 32bit. MOTU themselves say these cards are unlikely to work on modern systems, but I've not had a problem before.

4. Cubase 5 and various other stuff I've got is 64bit, but will all my 32-bit software still run fine?

5. Will 64bit software such as Cubase run better on a 64bit system, or will it be counter-productive given most of my plugins are 32bit?

The last 3 questions are essentially asking the same thing: Will 32bit programs run on Windows 7 exactly as they would on Windows XP?

Sorry for the long post but hopefully someone can help me sort this out!
 
If I were you I would backup all the important data I value to a separate storage device and then purchase a Windows 7 64-bit installation disk. Install Windows 7 and see if the MOTU PCI-324 soundcard works with it (in my opinion it will not). If not, you are going to need to buy a new soundcard.

I would not try any faster memory than PC2-6400 memory as that is what the manufacturer recommends. The PC2-8500 may not work with your motherboard and if it doesn't you may have to deal with the pain of returning it for an exchange.

I would buy 4 more gigabytes of the same speed memory that you are already using. Most 32-bit programs work with a Windows 7 64-bit operating system.
 
I have to agree with 2048megabytes on this one. Add 4 more gigabytes of pc-6400 RAM and upgrade to 64-bit Windows 7.
 
Are you currently running XP Home or XP Professional? I ask, because I believe that only XP Pro came in a 64-bit version, which I don't think was very common either. What you can do is this: right-click the "My Computer" icon, click "Properties," and under the "General" tab it should tell you if its a 64-bit OS or not. Hope you find a way to work it all out.

Davis
 
Davis Goertzen said:
Are you currently running XP Home or XP Professional? I ask, because I believe that only XP Pro came in a 64-bit version, which I don't think was very common either. What you can do is this: right-click the "My Computer" icon, click "Properties," and under the "General" tab it should tell you if its a 64-bit OS or not. Hope you find a way to work it all out.

Davis
Click to expand...

XP 64 wasn't common, lacked support and came preinstalled on very few computers and then by request only, the more popular choice of the day was Server 2003 x64 it has better support from MS, better hardware support, ect. Gotta remember 4gb didn't become to norm till about 2008, and 2gb in an XP machine is considered decent and quite useable actully. Most prebuilts that came with XP at the end of its life still had 512 or 1gb lol.

Meaning 64bit OS's where pretty much a niche market for the home user, so I would seriously doubt he would have XP Pro x64, as it was simply to uncommon
 
Candlepally said:
XP 64 wasn't common, lacked support and came preinstalled on very few computers and then by request only, the more popular choice of the day was Server 2003 x64 it has better support from MS, better hardware support, ect. Gotta remember 4gb didn't become to norm till about 2008, and 2gb in an XP machine is considered decent and quite useable actully. Most prebuilts that came with XP at the end of its life still had 512 or 1gb lol.

Meaning 64bit OS's where pretty much a niche market for the home user, so I would seriously doubt he would have XP Pro x64, as it was simply to uncommon
Click to expand...


Agreeable. My mom bought a premade eMachines right before the end of Vista and had XP on it. It was 2GB and 32-bit.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top