Windows Vista articles >> Windows Vista System Requirements: Hardware-Check for January 07!

The feature list of Windows Vista is overwhelming: New technologies, a new design and more feature and applications than before. Is your computer ready for all these new aspects of Windows Vista? We give you all the information you need about Vista requirements and if you need to buy a new computer in January 07!
[Sandro Villinger, Augst 6th 2006]

Performance of Windows Vista Beta 2
The public beta 2 has earned a lot of critisism thanks to its weak performance. Although it was quiet stable (for a beta, that is) testers were not happy with the speed. However, we can tell you one thing: Internal testers (us included) gained access to a more newer version of Windows Vista, called Build 5472. This build was much faster and did not slow down nearly as much as Beta 2 used to after installing applications and using it as a production machine. Build 5472 of Windows Vista is in most cases as fast as Windows XP (on the same machine) and in some cases is even capable of topping Windows XP. Our piece of advice: Wait for the Release Candidate (RC1 or RC2) or the final RTM version. Youll notice a huge difference in terms of performance - all computers acquired within the last 2-3 years will be sufficient for Windows Vista. 

The official system requirements
Microsoft is dividing Windows Vista into the following categories: Windows Vista Capable and Windows Vista Premium.

Windows Vista Capable
Processor: Min. 800 Mhz
Memory: Min. 512 MB
Graphics: DirectX 9.0 capable

Windows Vista Premium
Processor: 32- or 64-Bit processor with 1 Ghz
Memory: 1 GB
Grafikkarte: Windows Aero capable graphic accelerator (e.g. GeForce 6 or ATI x800 and higher)
Hard disk: 40 GB with 15 GB free space
Other: DVD-Rom drive, internet and a sound card.

Windows Vista Capable Logo

Unofficial system requirements
Microsofts official hardware requirement information for Windows Vista are pretty low which reminds us of Windows XP times. Back then, the minimum hardware configuration was a 266 Mhz (min) or a 400 Mhz machine (recommended). And we all know the truth: Its no fun working on a 266 Mhz machine with Windows XP. We have tested the latest Vista bits on 5 different machines. Our prognosis:

• Processor: For all those multitaskers and professional users we have to recommend a dual-core processor with 2-3 Ghz and 64-Bit enhancement. Only with such power you are sure to benefit from all Windows Vista has to offer. We are not sure whether Microsoft can deliver the promised performance for machines between 800 Mhz and 2 Ghz since right now even the performance optimized build 5472 is behaving sluggish and is responding slowly. In this case well just have to wait for the final version or the first Release Candidates.
   
• Memory: Windows Vista is running fairly good on machines with 512 and 1024 MB memory. However, we do recommend 2048 MB RAM for users that rely on peak performance and want ressources for gaming, developing or multimedia editing. The fact that Windows Vista is running as good as XP with 512 MB is astonishing since the new Windows version has grown dramatically in terms of features, services and technologies.
   
• Graphics: Microsoft recommends a DirectX 9.0 capable graphic chip with at least 64 or 128 MB memory for the new Aero Glass UI. Low-end graphic cards will have to deal with the Windows Vista basic interface which looks more like the 2D-like Windows XP. In order for Aero Glass to be a good experience well recommend a GeForce 6 or a ATI x600.
   
• Hard disk: Make sure youll have at least 20 GB free space on your hard disk for the Windows Vista installation files and the additional program files as well. We strongly recommend using a fast hard disk with at least 7200 rpm since Windows Vista accesses the hard disk frequently.

Requirements for Aero Glass
As stated before, users with a DirectX 9.0 GPU can enjoy the visual benefits of Aero Glass. However, DirectX 9.0 isnt always DirectX 9.0 since youll be needing a WDDM driver from the chip manufacturer and your graphic accelerator has to support Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel. To run Aero Glass with the 1024x768 youll need at least 64 MB. For 1280x1024 and 1600x1200 youll need 128 MB and 256 MB graphics memory.

Download-Tip: Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor
Determine whether your system can run Windows Vista with the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor. This little piece of software from Microsoft also makes recommendations based on your preferences:

Download Upgrade Advisor: Click here!

The advisor asks for your computer habits and your focus areas. It then shows you whether your computer is capable of running Windows Vista. After you have installed the Upgrade Advisor youll need to click on Start System Scan. The assistent guides you to a large page where you are free to select your preferences. For example, if you definitely want to take advantage of the new Aero Glass UI youll need to check Elegant User Experience with Windows Aero. Mobile users make sure that they use the Work anywhere setting while TV fans check the Watch and Record TV setting. If youre into watching and editing multimedia content you should additionally use the Premium Photo, Music and Video experience checkbox. Coorporate users might want to enable Connect to Corporate and Campus network as well as Simplify my business. After that the advisor shows you the Windows Vista version that suits you best (e.g. Windows Vista Home Premium). It also determines what kind of hardware youll need for your wishes and whether the needed drivers are already present.