X64 Vista

It will meet the minimum but run a bit slow just like the 32bit edition would. HP does provide for seeing a larger then needed room for additional memory while the cpu will tend to drag a bit.
 
For one if you plan to game at all while running any version or edition of Windows the onboard graphics usually aren't enough. Seeing a half way decend video card added in would be a thought while looking over what power supply comes with that model and if there's an option for a larger one if needed.

Before actually ruching into a 64bit edition first see what driver support is available there at the support site's download section. You don't want to install an OS not adequately supported as far as the prepackaged hardwares like board for sure along with the onboard sound.
 
Okay, so then I should look into, perhaps, a new processor, new Graphics Card, new power supply if needed, more RAM, and check out the drivers for all of my hardware to see if they are supported by X64?
 
The main thing there is first looking over the download page for that model to see if all updates specify support for Vista64. Most of the time now you will note that option is seen for prebuilds and HP offers better support then other companies.

A 64bit edition isn't actually anymore of a "ram hog" then a 32bit edition. What most don't realize about Vista is that it is geared for much newer hardware configurations with boards seeing far more memory capacity then when XP first came out. That's a drastic difference just because it starts off at 512mb while most older prebuilds saw 128mb then 256mb and finally until Vista saw 512mb.

A good 2gb-3gb of a quility brand memory is quite adequate for most right off. Many jump on a 64bit band wagon just to see 4gb or more and end only seeing bragging rights and no giant performance leap after a certain point. Games and apps still see the 512mb minimum with 1-2gb recommend often.
 
I see. So if all of the updates I need from Hp are x64 supported, then I should be good to go on that part, correct? And, I shouldn't have to upgrade my RAM unless I'm experiencing noticably slow speeds?

And, I am in fact planning on gaming on my PC, so I was wondering what processor you would reccommend I upgrade to. I understand that x64 will work with the processor I have now, but I want the fastest posssible speed, within reasonable price range. And as for the Graphics Card, I already have one picked out.

And if you can reccommend me a processor, could you please link me to it?
 
And also, if anyone were to reccommend me to a processor, could you please specify if I will need a new motherboard? My computer specs are above, and a link to the processor and motherboard would be appreciated.
 
The 6400+ X2 is sees the highest stock cpu speed for the Socket AM2 board. That's one step up from the 6000+ X2 125w used here listed as 3ghz while seeing 3.104ghz in real life. That's because there are two versions of the 6000+ X2 model one being an 89w while the other is 125w. The 89w version is listed for 3.1ghz!

The 6400+ X2 is listed as a 3.2ghz model. Without ocing these two are the top models while some may point at the FX-62 2.8ghz model. Take your pick since these will go right on the board you already have being the same socket type. But you automatically void out any time remaining on the original warranty once you open the case.
 
I've researched those processors, and I really do like the 6400 model, but I guess that would mean I'd have to buy a new cooling system, because as jdbennet said, and I've also read reviews that say so as well, this processor does run really hot.
 
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BFG makes some great cards. That's another older reliable brand for video cards.

As far as Artic Cooling that's a second choice alternative to Zalman generally seeing much lower prices if you are on a tigher budget. For the Intel Core 2s many go with the AC Freezer 7 Pro.

If you don't want the 6400+ I'll be likely to buy it off of you since newegg was out of stock last August when going to order it. But the 6000+ here has done very well so far.

As far as memory the specifications for that model show PC2-5300 DDR2 667 memory. The PC2-6400 DDR2 800 would backclock to the 667 speed if it ran. As for the PNY brand I haven't seen any of that stuff on a system in a lllllllongggggg time!

That's a low ender basic brand. A good set of Kingston ValueRam, Corsair value memory, and some others would be a better choice. For standard memory typically used on a prebuild you can look over the two 4gb kits by Kingston seen at http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010170147%2050001183%201052408745%201052315794&name=Kingston%20Technology
 
i dont know about yall,but my friend has x64 vista and the other 32, and the 64 bit uses way more ram idling. And it has less programs running!
 
A 64bit edition of Vista doesn't actually see any performance gain over a 32bit edition. Despite claims seen on some sites of it utilizing things better 64bit is still rather still in it's infancy at this point as far as desktop editions are concerned.

The one reason for likely seeing a slighter higher amount of ram used is mainly due to the different structure seen in the 64bit processes. But you are also dealing with an OS that can easily run on system seeing upto 128gb of memory not for every edition however. The Ultimate edition can run with more over the Home Premium or Home Basic 64bit editions as a rule.

Naturally you see less programs since the general market is still 32bit. Likewise don't expect a 64bit edition to run all 32bit games and apps. The same was seen with 98 running a degree but not all 16bit programs while being the first 32bit desktop version.
 
I guess that would mean I'd have to buy a new cooling system, because as jdbennet said, and I've also read reviews that say so as well, this processor does run really hot.

Yeah i got a pc with a 6000 in it. Hot but quite good. Nice looksing cooling system in the newegg link.

Also, 98 wasnt fuly 32 bit. Later, Non-NT based windows OSes like the 9x series are 16 bit/32bit hybrids. NT has always been 32 bit, and is easialy portable to other architechtures.
 
NT 3.1 was the first 32bit version to start with. 95 saw OSR2 for 32bit support proceeding 98's introduction into the 32bit realm for the home user. After the ME flop everyone already knows about MS smartened up with XP incorporating the NT core into the Pro, Home, and later MCE editions taken from 2000.

As far as cpu temps you will still want to see about some general air flow increase if high temps are still seen with the AC cooler on. I ran into temp problems with the Zalman 9500 on an older build simply due to the old case having one 80mm top as well as rear exhaust fan but nothing for vents even on the front or side to allow cooler air in.

Once I moved everything into the new case that then saw a 120 rear and 140 front intake the board temps dropped from 48C down to 311C! The cpu dropped from 46C down to 33C! keeping the board cool to see lower cpu temps is the working formula no matter what cooler you end up using.
 
Well then, it seems that I only have one more question! Does anyone know what kind of power supply I have, and if so should I upgrade it? Or are the upgrades I'm making to my computer not extreme enough?
 
Power supplies seen in prebuilds are usually around 300w to 350w in general while some newer Sony slim cases see a 220w supply on those. HP will use a standard atx supply however where you can look into an upgrade for that.
 
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