Does a Q6600 Need 64 Bit Windows?

The Q6600 is a 64-bit processor created by Intel, but it does not require a 64-bit edition of Windows.The Intel Core2 Quad Processor Q6600 is a 64-bit computer processor. The processor works best when used in conjunction with a 64-bit operating system such as Microsoft Windows, but a 64-bit operating system is not required.

64-bit TechnologyThe 64-bit processors such as the Q6600 can process 64 bits of information at a time, twice what a 32-bit processor can handle. This increased computing power makes a 64-bit processor much faster than a 32-bit processor. Also, 64-bit processors can access more than 4 GB of system memory at a time, furthering increasing their speed when compared to 32-bit processors.Operating SystemsThe extra computing power of 64-bit processors can only be accessed if the computer's operating system is specifically designed for 64-bit computing. However, 32-bit operating systems can run on 64-bit processors. Thus, Microsoft Windows and Linux have 32-bit operating systems that can be used with a 64-bit Q6600 processor, but Apple does not.Microsoft WindowsMicrosoft sells both 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows Vista and Windows 7, so it is important to choose the 64-bit edition of Windows if you plan to access the extra computing power available in a 64-bit processor. However, a 64-bit edition of Windows is not required to use a 64-bit Q6600 processor. References Northeastern University: 32-bit vs. 64-bit Operating Systmes Windows Fanatics: 32-Bit Vs. 64-Bit Windows Microsoft: 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: Frequently asked questions Mac OS X: What's New in Snow Leopard Intel: Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q6600