Computers typically have one or two CPUs for performing computations.
Windows 7 is an operating system from Microsoft that contains a number of new features not found in earlier versions. Some of the changes include an improved search tool, inclusion of the Windows Live Essentials software suite, full 64-bit support, performance improvements and support for touch screen displays. Your computer must meet a number of specifications to run Windows 7, one of the most important of which is the processor requirement. Choose the correct version of Windows 7 for your CPU configuration to get the best performance possible.
32-bit Processors
You can install 32-bit (x86) versions of Windows 7 on 32-bit processors running at 1GHz or faster. A 64-bit (x64) version of Windows 7 will not work with a 32-bit processor, however.
64-bit Processors
Computers with 64-bit processors running at a minimum of 1GHz are compatible with both 64-bit and 32-bit editions of Windows 7. Keep in mind that you must install the 64-bit version to take advantage of the benefits 64-bit CPUs provide, such as support for more RAM and CPU cores.
Multi-Core CPUs
Windows 7 is compatible with multi-core CPUs. The 32-bit version supports up to 32 processor cores, while the 64-bit edition can handle up to 256.
Multi-Processor Systems
Not all versions of Windows 7 are suitable for multi-processor systems. Although most home and business computers have only one CPU, many servers and workstations have two or more processors. Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate can recognize up to two individual CPUs. The more consumer-oriented Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic and Home Premium editions only support one.
If you have more CPUs than your edition of Windows 7 supports, the operating system will still work. It just won't be able to use the extra processors.
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