Can i run Server 2008 R2 64bit on x86 server

[duxbuz]

Hi,

I have this Proliant G5 E5420 server.

System information says its a x86 based PC

Does anyone know if it will run Server 2008 R2 64bit

and i guess is there any point me looking to run R2 or should i be sticking with 32bit Server 2008

Thanks

[Chuckster]

It would suggest to me that it only runs 32-bit only.

[DMcCoy]

Yes, it's x64

Intel® Xeon® Processor E5420 (12M Cache, 2.50 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB) with SPEC Code(s) SLANV, SLBBL

[duxbuz]

Thanks,

why is it saying x86 Family 6 Model 23 in 'system information'

Also does the fact that its x86 or x64 only get determined by the CPU? Or is it the board too. Well of course i guess a x64 CPU will only fit on a x64 board

[DMcCoy]

Thanks,

why is it saying x86 Family 6 Model 23 in 'system information'

You have the 32 bit version installed.

[duxbuz]

Thanks

So there is no way of seeing the underlying hardware through Windows OS?

Thanks for putting my mind at rest though

[glennda]

Thanks

So there is no way of seeing the underlying hardware through Windows OS?

Thanks for putting my mind at rest though

nope, but the bios should tell u i think

[Arthur]

I have this Proliant G5 E5420 server.

Given the server must be around 2-3 years old I would say you will be fine with the 64-bit edition of 2008 R2.

[box_l]

cpu-z

CPUID

will tell you the truth.

BoX

[EduTech]

likewise, this will also give you a definite answer

GRC|SecurAble: Determine Processor Security Features|

I use this often to test machines that i am unsure about or just want to make sure.

James.

[Arthur]

IIRC, CPUID and SecurAble will only tell you if your processor supports x86-64. Without the requisite BIOS and chipset support, a 64-bit processor is useless.

To take advantaged of Intel 64, an entire 64-bit hardware and software solution stack is required.

CPU: An Intel desktop processor with support for Intel 64 is required. Consult the Processor Spec Finder to see which processors support Intel 64.
Chipset: A motherboard with the one of the following chipsets is currently required to support Intel 64: Intel 910, Intel 915x/925X/XE, Intel 945x946x/955X/975X, Intel 965x/963x, Intel 3 Series, Intel 4 Series, or Intel 5 Series Express Chipsets.
BIOS: A BIOS must have support for Intel 64. Processor will not operate (including 32-bit operation) without an Intel 64-enabled BIOS.
Operating system: An OS that supports Intel 64 is required. Supporting OSs may include: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, Windows 64-bit client OS release, Red Flag version 4.1, Novell Linux Desktop 9, or Red Hat DT 3.0 and higher. Contact your OS vendor for more information on specific release dates.
Drivers: Although your OS should come with standard 64-bit drivers, you must update your hardware drivers with 64-bit enabled drivers to run in 64-bit mode.
Applications: Applications must be coded and compiled to support Intel 64. Contact your software vendor for specific software capabilities.

An Intel processor with support for Intel 64 can operate in either 32-bit mode or 64-bit mode. In all modes an Intel 64 enabled BIOS is required. (Source)

I think you will be fine.