Lenovo X60 Windows 7 Upgrade Steps?

[Maric]

Hey everyone I been tempted to install Windows 7 for the last year but now that it is officially almost released I am looking to upgrade first my X60 thinkpad.

So my question would be currently I have only 1gb of ram so what I am looking to upgrade to at least 2GB which is the maximum correct? Anyone know where to find a the best deals? Not really a question but hey if anyone knows.

Second once I do get my 2GB ram what should I got for? Windows 7 32 or 64 bit? I have an Intel Core 2 T5600. So would it be worth to go with 64 bit? Can I even install it with only 2GB of ram?

The most important information I guess I am looking for is how do I exactly install Windows 7 onto the thinkpad on a clean install? Do I just I need the a USB DVD drive? Is there any things that need to be done to my laptop before attempting the clean install such updating the bios or other things? Do all the think vantage drivers work on Windows 7 without a hitch? Is there any other precautions that I need to account before installing?

Thanks.

[Marin85]

Welcome to the forum!

The maximum amount of system memory your X60 can take is 2x 2GB modules (4 GB in total), but the system itself is limited to 3 GB (no matter what OS or *hacks* one may attempt), that is, it will use only 3 GB of 4 GB. Your cpu does support x64 architecture, but considering the fact that your system cannot utilize more than 3 GBs, it´s IMHO not worth going x64. But yes, you can install both Windows x86 and x64 on a system with 'only' 2 GBs of system memory.

To install Windows 7, you only need the USB DVD drive (for Windows installation DVD), not really any other prerequisites. As for the Windows 7 drivers from Lenovo, those I have tried so far (and same are applicable to your system as well) work flawlessly.

Cheers,

Marin

[Maric]

Welcome to the forum!

The maximum amount of system memory your X60 can take is 2x 2GB modules (4 GB in total), but the system itself is limited to 3 GB (no matter what OS or *hacks* one may attempt), that is, it will use only 3 GB of 4 GB. Your cpu does support x64 architecture, but considering the fact that your system cannot utilize more than 3 GBs, it´s IMHO not worth going x64. But yes, you can install both Windows x86 and x64 on a system with 'only' 2 GBs of system memory.

To install Windows 7, you only need the USB DVD drive (for Windows installation DVD), not really any other prerequisites. As for the Windows 7 drivers from Lenovo, those I have tried so far (and same are applicable to your system as well) work flawlessly.

Cheers,

Marin

For some reason I thought the maximum was 2GB for some reason. So do you think I should just get a 2GB stick giving me a total of 3GB? I guess you already stated that my CPU does not support 4GB so it's kind of a bummer. If I install the x86 will that slow down my computer? Will I see better performance with 4GB as oppose to 3GB?

[Marin85]

Well, if you max out the available RAM to 3 GB, that certainly won´t hurt It is just that Vista and Windows 7 have a 'sweet tooth' for system memory. More available system memory makes these OSes run more smoothly in various tasks (from archiving pics to editing large documents). Installing x86 will not slow down your computer. As for any performance differences between 3 GB and 4 GB of RAM on systems like yours, please see this thread.

[rbtying]

Actually, it wouldn't be possible to install Windows 7 x64 on most X60's, as they came with Core Duo Processors, which are 32-bit only.

[Marin85]

According to the OP, the x60 in question is equipped with Core 2 Duo T5600 cpu, which is x64-capable.

[Sandstorm83]

Unless you have any peripherals for which 64-bit drivers are not available, I would go with x64 as it is the future.

[Maric]

According to the OP, the x60 in question is equipped with Core 2 Duo T5600 cpu, which is x64-capable.

So does my cpu support 4GB of RAM or just the x64 capable? I am about to order some ram so debating whether to buy two sticks of 2GB or just one.

[Sandstorm83]

From what I understand it is your chipset that is limited to 3GB only. You could install 4GB physically but the computer will only use 3GB. Your CPU is x64 capable and you can run Windows 7 x64 with only 3GB of RAM without any problems.

[Marin85]

So does my cpu support 4GB of RAM or just the x64 capable? I am about to order some ram so debating whether to buy two sticks of 2GB or just one.

Didn´t you read my very first post in this thread?

[Maric]

Didn´t you read my very first post in this thread?

I thought there was some confusion. I guess yeah I am just going to order one stick since that will give me a total of 3gb since the other 1gb won't help my system run any better. Thanks for all the input.