Microsoft announces Windows Vista requirements

Not as bad as you might think

http://news.com.com/Microsoft+Set+your+systems+for+Vista/2100-1016_3-6073779.html?tag=nefd.lede
from WinCustomize Forums

Microsoft has announced what kind of hardware you will need for Windows Vista.  The good news -- you won't need much to run it in its most basic mode.  The bad news is that the full Vista goodness will require a very high end system and lots of memory.

CPU wise, only 800Mhz is needed.  Realistically, you should have a 2+ Ghz machine to get the most out of it.  In theory, only 512MB of memory is needed to run Windows Vista, realistically you should have 2 GB of system memory.  It's on the GPU that you will need to have a really beefy setup.  To get the Vista "glass" effects you need a video card with at least 128MB of video memory.

For the official specs, see the linked to CNET article.

6,126 views 13 replies
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
2GB of system memory sounds like an awful lot to me.

Maybe in 8 or 9 months when Vista comes out (or not) 2GB will be standard...
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Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
i'm ready. bring it on!
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I you do any serious graphics work 4 GB will be the norm methinks.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm 'barely' keeping up with the basic crap. Do you know how much double sided sticky tape I went through during my church offering so I could get enough money to get the graphics card I needed for wb5? I just added memory, vid card, got all the latest graphics software..yadda, yadda...and Vista STILL isn't out yet and I am already outdated.


I wonder if I could get money for cat pelts? hmmm...
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
My pc has been certified Vista ready. From what I can see though it will be a long time before I get Vista. Let those at the 'bleeding edge' iron out the cracks first
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
go to windowsvista.com and click on Get Ready
Download Microsoft Vista Advisor and it will scan your system and give you a detailed report of how Vista will run and which version you should get.
it also tells you which drivers will be automaticly installed after you install Vista for the first time and the drivers that are not available.
after scanning my system i was configured to recieve "s.5 security strength", aero visual etc. but for some reason it suggested me Vista Business. Oh, well.
Vista Beta 2 is about to be here, WinHEC is on Monday. Register for Vista Beta Experience at Vista's homepage to be considered.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Looks like the PC makers will be happy.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
desiRex, Just wanted to ask if you'd be kind in posting your basic PC components; CPU, MB, Vid-Card, Memory(type & ammount)....Just wanted to know since I DL the WinVista Advisor for my 32bit system: Athlon 3200+, Abit AN7, ATI-256MB/X850XT PE, Corsair 1GB-(TOTAL) CMXS512-3200LL(two sticks). After the scan I received an "OK" for the Vista Home Premium package. THX for the info!!
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I got an okay for the Vista Home Premium package, which shocked me. I must have the absolute bare minimum requirements. Where exactly can you sign up for the beta. I couldn't find it.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Where exactly can you sign up for the beta. I couldn't find it.


I might be wrong, but as I understand it, you need to be registered with MS as a developer or programmer to recieve the Vista betas, that general home users are not eligible at this time.

I'd like to be wrong so that I could try it out as well...maybe someone could come along and PROVE me WRONG...it'd be the one time I'd not take exception.
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Microsoft announces Windows Vista requirements

Not as bad as you might think


Right, worse than I could ever think. I don't do 3D or video processing so why would I need such a machine. And I'm afraid that all the additional resources required by Vista will be spent on Aero. Too expensive for an interface. I would like to see some technical, not only visual improvements. We shall see...