Dell 1530 - Vista Home Premium, 32bit or 64 bit?

Hi folks,

My Laptop is currently being shipped from overseas here to Australia, can't wait.

Have a question though.

Do they install Vista 32 bit or 64 bit?

Does it depend on how much Ram you order? I only ordered 2 GB (the minimum) so that I could upgrade later to 4 GB (dirt cheap), but will they install the 32 bit OS, instead of the 64 bit?

Or do they always install the 32 bit?

Just asking, because as everyone knows, the 32-bit only recognizes 3.5 GB, so other then out of ignorance, why would anyone buy 4 GB's of RAM from dell?

 

Pretty sure you're getting 32bit. I have not seen OEMs with 64bit on their machines, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Just never seen it myself.

 

It is 32bit.

 

Hmm...

Anyway to get them to send me a 64bit version?

If not...

Should I just buy 4 GB's anyway ($140 Aussie bucks for 2 2GB SODIMMS), and not worry about it? Is there a con to this, other then not being able to use .5 GBs?

Or should I just buy a 1 GB stick and a 2 GB stick?

Or should I take 1 GB out that DELL gave, and stick my own 2 GB stick in (saving me $75 bucks)... Will that cause issues if they're different brands?

 

I believe you can request a 64-bit DVD from Microsoft.... or just downloaded a copy

Once you have the disc - use your Vista key you already have as it will work on the 64-bit edition.

I.e. a key you get with 32-bit Home Premium will also enable you to install 64-bit Home Premium

Generally speaking 32-bit editions have better compatibility with both software and hardware; however there is now a good range of support for the 64-bit editions.

I just received my M1530 yesterday with home basic and 1GB of RAM (woohoo) Now waiting on 4GB of ram then will install Vista Ultimate 64-bit.

If you spend a bit of time looking you will find all the drivers you need.

2GB Ram is fine for the 32-bit edition; stick 2x2GB in if you wish to see the benefits of the 64bit edition.

Also different memory brands rarely cause a problem, just ensure they are the same speed and latency to ensure maximum compatibility - wont be hard to do for this notebook - DDR2 PC2-5300 CL5. I personally recommend Crucial or Corsair - never had a problem with either.

 

COOL! I had no idea you could do that. I wonder if it works with the Product Red Vista Ultimate because that's what I got coming to me? Maybe I'll have to see look into it.

 

I really would suggest users to stick to 32 bit unless you have 4gb ram and know what you are doing very much with computers.

 

Dell's OEM license is for 32-bit only, NOT 64-bit.

 

Sweet, I'll probably end up doing this. I'm not buying the 4 GB's of ram until March anyway.

I'm not 100%, but I don't think I have to worry about this. I don't have any old hardware to worry about, and ditto with software, other then a few games.

I wish I was savvy enough to try and negotiate down to 1 GB of ram stock. Did you get price discount for that? If so for me. I did manage to get a extra 5% off.

Alrite I'll keep all this in mind, and thanks for the response, very helpful.

 

I have not had any issues with retail copies of Vista and I have read of people making the change using OEM versions also, however I have not tried using OEM copies myself.

I am sure when asking M$ for a disc they will ask for your product key and be able to tell you if it is possible with your Dell OEM license.

I work for an IT company so haggled and got the laptop ex-vat for £700. Then upgrading RAM, HDD and OS for cheaper.

 

Yes, retail is no problem. The license works for either 32-bit or 64-bit.

I think you can still install 64-bit Vista with your Dell license, but I know it's against Dell's OEM EULA to install 64-bit with a 32-bit license.