Windows Vista Computer Requirements

Microsoft has updated their Windows Vista – Get Ready website with Official Computer/System Requirements for Windows Vista. It’s not simple as it was with the previous versions of Windows from Microsoft because of the fact that Vista comes in different flavors & in order to enjoy Windows Vista fully, you really have to use the Aero 3D effects in Vista for which you will require a capable graphics card.

A new PC that carries the Windows Vista Capable PC logo can run Windows Vista. All editions of Windows Vista will deliver core experiences such as innovations in organizing and finding information, security, and reliability. All Windows Vista Capable PCs will run these core experiences at a minimum. Some features available in the premium editions of Windows Vista—like the new Windows Aero user experience—may require advanced or additional hardware.

A Windows Vista Capable PC includes at least:

* A modern processor (at least 800MHz).
* 512 MB of system memory.
* A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.

I have tested Windows Vista Ultimate on two systems. A desktop system with latest Intel Core 2 DUO processor and a laptop, 3 years old almost running a Desktop Intel Pentium 4 processor. Both have 512 MB of RAM, though there is difference between the performance of them. What I am wondering here is. It says, “A modern processor” then it says, “at least 800Mhz”. Now what I am wondering is that the “Modern processors” don’t start from 800 Mhz but in Ghz!!!

As I said, I have tested Vista on two systems mentioned above, which ofcourse are more than what is require for the system to be called Vista Capable PC BUT there was a huge difference in performance with both the systems. The Desktop with Intel Core 2 DUO processor and 512 MB RAM was far more faster than compared to the 2.8 Ghz Pentium 4 processor! How much of a difference? I can work without any slow down in Vista on the Desktop system but I could not use Windows Vista for more than a few minutes on the laptop because it was all hogged down!!! So I am wondering what they really mean . . .

Windows Vista Premium Ready PCs
To get an even better Windows Vista experience, including the Windows Aero user experience, ask for a Windows Vista Capable PC that is designated Premium Ready, or choose a PC that meets or exceeds the Premium Ready requirements described below. Features available in specific premium editions of Windows Vista, such as the ability to watch and record live TV, may require additional hardware.

A Windows Vista Premium Ready PC includes at least:

* 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
* 1 GB of system memory.
* Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)2, Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel.
* 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
* DVD-ROM Drive3.
* Audio output capability.
* Internet access capability.

As far as Aero is concerned. I already mentioned the Desktop system I have. Intel Core 2 DUO with 512 MB of RAM and NVidia 6200 Turbo Cache Graphics Card. The card supports Aero completely and with 512 MB of RAM, Vista works like a charm on the said system. 1 GB of RAM will be ofcourse sweet.

I have yet to see the performance of Windows Vista after installing my usual day to day softwares like NOD32 etc. so keep watching. I will tell in detail about it in coming days. How well Vista performs with 512MB of RAM. It will not be fair for every kind of RAM though. 512MB of DDR will work better than 512MB of PC333 RAM but slower than 512MB of DDR2… I am also looking ahead to test something on Windows Vista, if it will get effected by a very common virus for Windows XP, I have to face this virus alot. NOD32 finds it ofcourse. I want to see if Windows Vista can stop it with its default settings and no Anti-virus installed.

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