Windows 7 Pro x64 Install

Hello-
My question today is, can I install Windows 7 Professional x64 using my Compaq Presario SR1426NX Windows XP Professional SP3 x86 machine?

I don't want to run it on this machine until I replace the mobo/cpu/RAM set up. I just want to unplug the XP HDD, plug this new 1TB 64MB cache Seagate Barracuda in and install the Windows 7 Professional SP1 x64 OS on it. Then, when I replace the mobo/cpu/RAM, just plug the new HDD in and go.

The problem is the current Display Adapter- Intel 82915G/GV/910GL Express Chipset- I don't think will work with x64 with Windows Aero. My Pentium 4 CPU will however.

I hope that I have been clear with my intent. Please advise.

Thanks in advance!

tim

 

I recommend you contain your urge to install Win x64 until such time as you have completed your hardware upgrades, otherwise Win 7 will try to set up drivers for the existing hardware and become badly polluted in the process. I also question the wisdom of going for 64 bit on an older machine such as this. The only benefit from using 64 bit is the ability to access more than 4GB of memory when in fact the 32 bit version runs very well in 4GB. Other than that 64 bit is slower than 32 bit and occupies a great deal more disk space.

 

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I agree with first installing the Mobo/CPU/RAM first, for the reasons you state. However, a big disagreement about x64 being slower. I have another Window 7 x64 (16GB DDR3 RAM) machine and it is WAAAAY faster than x86 XP Pro (4 GB DDR2 PC5300) ever dreamed of being. True, more disk space is used with x64. As far as 'the older machine' is concerned, it has new fans, PSU, and Optical Drives- so I am just reusing the case essentially. I'm starting out with 16GB of DDR3 RAM with 2 modules.

Yeah, that's what I was concerned about- the driver headaches trying to install with the older hardware.

Thanks again!

tim

 

The reason your Win 7 x64 is fast is because your hardware spec on that machine is far superior to the XP. But on like for like hardware x86 is faster than x64, but limited of course to 4GB RAM. We have two identical Lenovo laptops here, except one has Win 7 x64 and the other (mine) Win 7 x86. The x86 is noticeably faster. Both have 4GB.

 

BTW, as you are installing new hardware, have you considered an SSD in place of, or as well as a spinner? Putting the OS on an SSD renders all other arguments about speed irrelevant. OS and software on SSD, data on HDD is the way to go.

 

Your argument, to a degree, is well founded. Yes, given the equality in RAM, I would tend to agree. There are far more 'components' within a 64 bit system vs. 32 bit. DDR3 RAM is limited to 16GB in Home Premium Edition, and 32GB within Pro and Ultimate offerings of Windows 7 (x64). Most all of the apps and programs are still written for x86, so that in itself is a limiting factor.

This current Mobo/CPU within the Presario I mentioned originally is of 'ancient' design- Goldfish3 mobo, and a Pentium 4 (Prescott) CPU, with 4GB of PC5300 installed.

Eventually, yes, I want to run the OS and prog apps on an SSD, and use either a VelociRaptor 10K spinner or a Hybrid for storage, in a RAID 0 format. For my intent on this system re-work, I can stay with a relatively small, say 160GB SSD, and a 1TB mechanical or hybrid storage drive.

If I may, I would like to venture slightly off topic here. This NEW ASUS Z97M-PLUS LGA 1150 Intel Z97 mobo (w/ Haswell i5-4670K CPU) has the UEFI BIOS. I have absolutely no experience with that. Before I install the Windows 7 Professional SP1 x64 OS, I need to switch the BIOS over to Legacy Mode and turn off the Security feature (Windows 8) or, the Secure Boot. I also need to make sure the SSD or HDD will install in MBR format- NOT GPT!... I won't go into the reason(s) why, but this is the way I want to do it. Can I actually go into the BIOS before even installing the drive and change UEFI to Legacy, and turn off the Secure Boot feature?... I would think that I can do that prior to updating the BIOS.

Thanks for following this thread. I appreciate your input.

tim

 

You don't have to have a drive attached to go into BIOS so that shouldn't be a problem. I've recently specced and bought a custom build Win 7 Pro x64 system and, like you, have turned off UEFI and Secure Boot, and stuck with MBR disks. I half regret that now though as this was my opportunity to really get to grips with managing GPT disks. Only half regret though, as UEFI and Secure Boot I'm only too happy to have sidestepped. You shouldn't have any issues formatting your hard disk as an MBR disk.

 

This page may be helpful.

 

Fair warning with GPT and SecureBoot, it treats all USB and optical devices as Legacy...

 

Thanks for the tip... I have no plans to use Secure Boot, nor GPT format. I'm thinking that if I switch to Legacy from UEFI that'll automatically negate Secure Boot. If not, I can turn it off in UEFI first, and then switch to Legacy.

 

Yes, that's what I'm hoping for. As I mentioned in response to 'the mekanic', switching from UEFI to Legacy may automatically negate Secure Boot, however, to be sure it would most likely be prudent to enter UEFI, turn off Secure Boot, then switch to Legacy. I don't believe I'll have to pre-format to MBR. When I installed XP Pro SP3 onto a new HDD, it formatted to MBR automatically.

I have never installed a new mobo from scratch, but hope the instructions with the mobo are comprehendible. I don't even know what is supplied with the ASUS board I am about to order... LOL!... As a retired engineer, should be able to pick my way through the ordeal.

Thanks yet again!

 

Thanks, will check it out.