Vista Hardware Requirements
Microsoft considers a computer "Windows Vista Capable" if it meets the minimum hardware requirements to provide the core functionality of Windows Vista:
- A modern processor (at least 800MHz).
- 512 MB of system memory (at least, Rice IT recommends 1GB)
- A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable (check on vendor’s site)
- A DVD readable drive.
A computer is considered "Premium Vista Ready" if its hardware is configured to accommodate the advanced features of Windows Vista:
- 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
- 1 GB of system memory
- Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum), Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel. (check on vendor’s site)
- 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
- DVD-ROM Drive.
- Audio output capability.
- Internet access capability.
Choose a system that will be able to run Vista in the future. Prior to the official release date of Vista, all vendors shipped their systems with windows XP installed. If the offer is still available from your vendor, purchase the "Express Upgrade" option. This option means that your computer will be shipped with Windows XP, but the vendor will send you the Vista DVD for free when it becomes available. You may have to go online and register your voucher for this to happen.
Additional Rice IT updates are available on the Vista Announcements web page.
Please consult the vendors' sites as you shop and contact helpdesk@rice.edu if you would like some help with your purchasing decision. Individual vendor's references to Vista issues and their Vista compatible systems can be found here:
Dell:
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/solutions/en/vista_capable?
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/solutions/en/vista_pcs?c=us&cs=&l=en&s=gen
HP:
http://h20219.www2.hp.com/services/cache/384863-0-0-225-121.html?jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN
IBM:
http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/microsoft/vista/recommended.html
Also, you may find Vista-related information on the Microsoft web site at: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/default.mspx