Windows - Windows 7 Pro 64 bit on iMac - Mac-Forums.com

Cakeington · 10-08-2009, 05:21 PM

Hi there, I have a question about Windows 7 64 bit as I've never actually used a 64 bit operating system before. Sorry if this is a silly question!

I've got Windows 7 Professional pre-ordered and plan on installing it on my 20" intel iMac. It's about 18 months old now. I've never ventured into the 64 bit world of OS's, but many have said it'd be a good idea to go 64 bit with Windows 7.

I'm just a little concerned about compatibility issues and such. Also, I only have 4GB of RAM so would I even notice a difference? I'm a little unsure about it all!

Thanks for any help and opinions on this

True Bassist · 10-08-2009, 05:30 PM

I'm running 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate on Bootcamp with 4GB of RAM but I seems much faster than my 32-bit Home version. Go for 64-bit.

Artmuzz · 10-13-2009, 09:14 AM

I have Windows 7 64bit installed and running successfully on my 2008 MacBook Pro. However, i have problems installing Windows 7 64bit on my other Macs that were made before 2008 as I get the dreaded "Select CD-ROM Boot Type" message when trying to boot off Windows 7 X64 disc. I try to select it but nothing happens

Art

cwa107 · 10-13-2009, 09:17 AM

There were driver problems early-on with 64-bit versions of Windows, but those issues are few and far between. If you have 4GB or more of memory, it's worth it.

andr3wkim · 10-14-2009, 07:26 AM

Just check online for 64-bit support on the software manufacturer's support site. Unless you see a warning "This software does not support 64-bit versions of Windows" it should be fine.

Hardware, everything should work correctly. If you have a printer, just check the manufacturer's site to see if they drivers for it. If not, Windows 7 has a huge library of default drivers. If the printer was made after 2007, safe bet it'll work fine.

poopieboy · 10-14-2009, 09:26 PM

I'm running a 64bit version of Windows 7 on my MBP and it only has 2GB of RAM. It runs smoothly and perfectly.

ARC · 10-16-2009, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poopieboy

I'm running a 64bit version of Windows 7 on my MBP and it only has 2GB of RAM. It runs smoothly and perfectly.

same here. im actually kinda impressed with windows 7

g725s · 11-06-2009, 01:05 PM

I have two Macs. One has a 32bit XP.

The other is my sons Mac Mini. He want Windows to run some games. But I'd like to buy the 64bit version for his and mine.

I've done searching and some say 64bit only works for Mac Book Pro. His Mini is a late 2007 2.16Ghz Intel Core 2 duo with 2gb of ram.

What problems might I encounter? And is there any legal reason why I could not install an OEM version on his Mac Mini?

SammySlim · 11-06-2009, 01:49 PM

I assume you are talking about a Boot Camp installation here. You won't see any advantage from a 64-bit OS with only 2 GB of RAM. The main advantage to 64-bit is that you can access more than 4 GB of RAM - hence you wouldn't see an improvement on a Mac mini under just about any circumstances. You could install it, but there would really be no point. 32-bit would be much simpler and easier for the Mini.

Re the legal point, assuming you are talking about a "System Builder's OEM" version (easily purchased from a site like newegg.com), no reason at all not to do it. If you are talking about a branded OEM version (e.g., Dell or HP), it won't install under Boot Camp and would violate the EULA of the software.

Hope that helps!