What does x64-based processor mean?

All my life I used x32 vista that came with my laptop and couple days ago I installed windows 8 and saw this. What is this? It wasn't there when I used vista. Does it mean I can use 64x system or is it about windows 8 and not about the "processor"? (don't even know what is it)

Opheliakc wrote:All my life I used x32 vista that came with my laptop and couple days ago I installed windows 8 and saw this. What is this? It wasn't there when I used vista. Does it mean I can use 64x system or is it about windows 8 and not about the "processor"? (don't even know what is it)

Hello @Opheliakc,

In simple terms, that essentially means your hardware supports 64-bit operating systems. In your case it is not relevant though, since 64-bit operating systems only make sense when you have more than 4GB of RAM. 

In 64-bit systems, applications can use over 4GB of RAM, if they are x64-compatible. Like some modern games (I believe Battlefield 4 is one example). Most games though are still in 32-bit, meaning they are capped at 4GB of RAM usage.

Sounds complicated, but in your case I would really stick with that setup, at least until you get a better computer.   There really is no point installing a 64-bit Windows on that computer.

Well, I'm ashamed of myself but I pirated it and 32 version is not activated and just 8 there's 8.1 pro one that's activated bu it's 64 so my bf is forcing me to install it lol since I can't activate this one, we couldn't find a key. I didn't play any games this year I guess? My reasoning is just having a activated system not anything else

Opheliakc wrote:Well, I'm ashamed of myself but I pirated it and 32 version is not activated and just 8 there's 8.1 pro one that's activated bu it's 64 so my bf is forcing me to install it lol since I can't activate this one, we couldn't find a key. I didn't play any games this year I guess? My reasoning is just having a activated system not anything else

I mean, you can still play games on that computer, if the requirements are met, by your hardware. As for the activation, try using a "Mircrosoft Toolkit". @D' Eradicated upload the toolkit here, so you may want to give that a try:
http://bit.ly/1VlGYzD

Good luck !

Well when you said I can install 64 I started the download and it's already %53 in lol thank you for your help anyway wish I asked how can I activate this instead


and, this kmspico installed like 10 malware and adware. everyone that I tell this doesn't believe me but I almost lost my pc lol

Opheliakc wrote:Well when you said I can install 64 I started the download and it's already %53 in lol thank you for your help anyway wish I asked how can I activate this instead


and, this kmspico installed like 10 malware and adware. everyone that I tell this doesn't believe me but I almost lost my pc lol

Ah, sorry about any confusion. Yes you theoretically "could" install a 64-bit system, but again: it doesn't really make much sense due to your computer only having 3GB of RAM. It makes sense if you have, let's say, 6GB or more. But not with only 3GB.

As for the activation issue, it may be better to open a new thread in the Non-Sims Support.

The_gh0stm4n wrote:It makes sense if you have, let's say, 6GB or more. But not with only 3GB.

Why 6GB or more? If you have 4GB, I'd already go for 64-bits Windows, because:

1. You'll be able to utilize the full 4GB+.
2. You'll be prepared for the future.

I actually recommend upgrading your RAM (if it's a computer you often use) and use a 64-bits Windows instead.
Pretty much all new computers come with 64-bits Windows and 4GB+ RAM nowadays anyway.
Hopefully 32-bits will be completely gone in a few years from now, because it doesn't make any sense when you can have 64-bits instead.

So even if you have less than 4GB RAM, it's still a good idea to upgrade to 64-bits Windows, if you ever consider upgrading your Windows.
Because: future proof and performance gain.

As said, it doesn't make sense, at least for me. I'd rather have the full RAM right from the start (1 - 1.5 GB for the operating system, and the remaining 4+ GB RAM for any bada$$ games or whatnot).

The official requirement of Windows 8.1. x64 is only 2GB even, but again, I myself would prefer doing everything (i.e. hardware + software upgrade) in one go.

Admin wrote:

I actually recommend upgrading your RAM (if it's a computer you often use) and use a 64-bits Windows instead.
Pretty much all new computers come with 64-bits Windows and 4GB+ RAM nowadays anyway.

Well it's a laptop that we bought in 2009 and it's my only pc that I use and I spend my like 16 hours everyday on it lol. Anyway I installed windows 8.1 pro that's 64x now since it was the only available one. Downloaded some 32 ones but they weren't working.

Opheliakc wrote:(...) and it's my only pc that I use and I spend my like 16 hours everyday on it lol.

Well then, even more reasons to upgrade the RAM. It's not too hard to replace the RAM on most laptops, just look in the Technical Manual for your specific laptop model.
Make sure that you choose correct RAM. There are probably no free slots left, so in case you consider upgrading, I recommend taking out the old RAM and putting brand new RAM sticks in it.

P.S. It's better to have 2 x 2GB instead of 1 x 4GB, for example.