Intel Pentium Dual-Core 2.93GHz 1066MHz 2MB LGA775 Processor BX80571E6500

[idata]

Can I use this processor with Windows 7, 64 bit? Or, can I only use Win 7, 32 bit?

My motherboard is GIGABYTE GA-G41M-COMBO

[idata]

The CPU is fine for a 64 bit OS:

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=42806&processor=E6500K&spec-codes=SLGYP http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=42806&processor=E6500K&spec-codes=SLGYP

The rest of your PC is probably Ok, but you should check Microsoft's website to see their requirements.

[idata]

Thanks for the reply. I did download the Microsoft Windows Advisory and ran it, which says I need to install 32 bit. My processor is E6500R and not E6500K; do you think this makes a difference, as I see you've referenced the K?

TIA, Gil

[idata]

Well, Intel does not list an E6500R on their web site, but E6500 is listed, check the link below:

http://ark.intel.com/ProductCollection.aspx?series=41586 http://ark.intel.com/ProductCollection.aspx?series=41586

The E6500 is a 64bit CPU, and the differences between the E6500K are minimal and insignificant regarding the OS. The MS Windows Advisory may be recommending the 32bit OS due some 32bit software and/or drivers installed on your PC now. Your mother boards G41 chipset will support CPUs up to the Core 2 Quad 9000 series, so the board itself is not the limitation. Do you have 1 GB or less of memory, that might limit you to a 32 bit OS.

Besides having 32bit drivers and software, or a small amount of memory, I don't understand why the Advisory program recommended a 32bit OS.