What hardware is required to run windows vista without it being slow?

Question

how much ram? what kinda processor, how much space etc?

Answer 1

I would recommend to have at least 2 gb of RAM, since 1 gb will severely slow your computer down, although 1 gb is what is only necessary.  Vista also takes up around 30gb of hard drive space, so I would recommend at least 150 gb only because picture and video files are getting bigger and bigger and require more space.  As for processors, any dual core will run vista good; my last vista computer had a 1.66 ghz core 2 duo that ran ok, until the computer crashed, but it gets the job done unless you want to run hardcore games.  The processor I have now is a 2.0 ghz core 2 duo and is remarkably faster, although it is running on the 64-bit version of vista (with 4gb of RAM, what is becoming common for a 64-bit system).  I would also recommend having at least wireless 802.11 ABG (N would be the best, although this is new technology and only newer routers use N technology) and at least 10/100 ethernet (once again, 10/100/1000 would be better but it is rare to find an internet that uses a gigabyte connection).  If you are expecting to play games, I would also recommend getting a graphics card (nVidia is very good with graphics cards), although if you aren't going to be too demanding on graphics an integrated card with a graphics media accelerator will work just fine.

Answer 2

Windows XP

Answer 3

1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor

512 MB of system memory

20 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space

Support for DirectX 9 graphics and 32 MB of graphics memory

DVD-ROM drive

Audio Output

Internet access (fees may apply)

Additional requirements

Actual requirements and product functionality may vary based on your system configuration. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor can help you determine which features and edition of Windows Vista will run on your computer.

While all editions of Windows Vista can support multiple core CPUs, only Windows Vista Business, Ultimate, and Enterprise can support dual processors.



I copied this from the Microsoft web site--www.microsoft.com.  From what I've read, Vista works best on a new machine.  When I bought my new laptop, I got windows XP, though I don't know if it's sold any more, because of the negatives I heard about Vista.  Could be that Microsoft has worked them out now.

Answer 4

i heard it was slow no matter what.

Answer 5

You best best is to have a multiple core CPU that has the ability to run in 64 bit.  1.5 GB of RAM atleast.  For even more performance options you can read the article below

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article...

Answer 6

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 7

As much RAM as you can afford and cram in, as high a processor and large HDD will help. Vista needs it all, but can still run slower than XP.

DW

Answer 8

The absolute minimum RAM is 2GB, but at least 3GB (DDR2) to 4GB would be better. As far as the processor, a good quad or duo-core AMD or Intel would be nice. As far as hard drive space, I would say at least 150GB (SATA for speed) would be good for a start, considering the large file size. used especially if you do graphics/video work. And as far as VISTA, I would use at least the Vista business and stay away from the home edition. The business edition would be the most stable because it is geared for the business and a business user cannot have down time with a computer. I have XP pro and it is a absolute rock. Alternatively, you could go for VISTA ultimate if you feel like spending a liitle more money.Another factor to consider is the Video RAM. The more the better to run all the effects that VISTA has to offer. At least a minimum of 128MB with more being better.

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Answer 9

For Home Premium (do not get the Basic version) a minimum configuration and suggestions for improved processing speed:

1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor

(2 GHz is the real requirement)

1 GB of system memory

(2 GB is the real requirement and more = better)

40 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space

( make certain you are using less than 70% of available space

after the minimal 15GB is considered; and defrag often but

more = better)

Support for DirectX 9 graphics with 128 MB of graphics memory

(256 MB graphics memory is the real requirement):

DVD-ROM drive

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MicroSoft has a free "upgrade adviser" program at

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows...

IF you currently are using XP; otherwise earlier versions guidance is there as well.

Personally, my reading suggests that Vista is still a fragile operating system and using it now means you may be helping MS to de-bug it (which unfortunately is par for the course coming out of MS these days). All my PCs happily working with XP Pro...with all the latest patches etc.

Answer 10

A Mac

Answer 11

160GB HDD and at least 2GB of RAM. Vista uses a lot of room on the hard disk drive and takes a lot of random access memory just to run the OS, that's not including the programs that are running.

Answer 12

Having the minimum hardware to run Vista is a start.

A dual core processor is a key factor and is the one thing that can be done to speed up this otherwise bloated and lethargic operating system.