Windows Vista System Requirements

Microsoft has designated 2 levels of compatibility forshould be considered the minimum to install Windows
the Windows Vista release. These 2 levels refer toVista.
hardware that will support Windows Vista to varyingWindows Vista is much more graphic intensive than
degrees. These levels are designated Windows VistaWindows XP and creates a richer media experience.
Capable and Windows Vista Premium.Of course these requirements increase the cost of
Windows Vista Capable PChardware needed to run Windows Vista. For those
Windows Vista capable, means that your presentwho have been dragging there feet on the video and
hardware meets the absolute minimum requirementsRAM front have the media creators and PC gamers
install and run Windows Vista.to blame for the extra cost.
- A modern processor (at least 800MHz).If you have read some of my other computer
- 512 MB of system memory.articles or guides you will already know that I never
- A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable, withrecommend using advertised minimum hardware
a minimum of 64mb of RAM.requirements. When you read the words "minimum
Windows Vista Premium Ready PCrequirements", the bare minimum is what you get.
A Windows Vista Premium Ready PC, means yourAny time you upgrade a PC to the minimum
hardware meets the minimum requirements to userecommended requirements the results will always be
most additional features of Windows Vista thata disappointing.
enhances the user experience. In other words, theWith that in mind, my recommendations for installing
higher minimum requirements will improve the systemWindows Vista are the following.
performance and enhance advanced media such as- 2 GHz +, 64 bit or Duel Core processor (Intel Duo
Windows Aero. These are the recommendedCore or AMD X2 for Gaming)
minimum requirements.- 2 GB +, of matching system RAM
- 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor).- 256 MB +, ATI or nVidia graphics card (not
- 1 GB of system memory.integrated on board)
- Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver,- 40 GB +, Hard Disk (15 GB free space required for
128 MB of graphics memory (minimum), Pixel ShaderVista install)
2.0 and 32 bits per pixel.- CD-DVD ROM
- 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free- Other required hardware should be obvious.
space.Take note that video integrated on to the
- DVD-ROM Drive.motherboard is NOT recommended. Integrated video
- Audio output capability.uses system RAM which robs your system of
- Internet access capability.resources and increases your memory requirements.
SummaryAlso there are add-on video cards that use system
The biggest difference between Windows Vista andRAM and have very little memory of there own.
Windows XP are the system memory and videoWhen buying an add-on video card read the memory
requirements. Windows XP will run well with 128 MBspecifications very carefully.
video card and 1 GB of system RAM. Ironically that