Windows XP Professional X64 System Requirements

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition has a minimum Central Processing Unit speed of 733 MHz (megahertz). Most modern PCs measure their processor speed in GHz (gigahertz); one GHz equals 1,000 MHz, so if your PC has more than one GHz CPU, you do not need to worry about the Windows XP Professional x64 Edition requirements. A PCs processing speed is the primary determinant of how fast it runs overall; CPUs relay and interpret program information, making all of the programs you use work in unison.

The operating system requires a minimum of 256 megabytes of Random Access Memory, while Microsoft recommends at least 512 MB. This edition allows users to install up to 128 gigabytes of physical memory, although most users won't approach this maximum. This allowance for massive RAM expansion is one of the most alluring factors about the Windows XP Professional x64 Edition operating system. Your computer's RAM stores all the temporary program and operating system data for your PC, allowing you to successfully run multiple applications at once.

Users need to clear 1.5 GB (gigabytes) of hard drive space to install the operating system. Like RAM, your hard drive saves your PC's data; however, unlike RAM, which clears every time you turn off your PC, your hard drive saves data through repeated restarts and shutdowns. Items such as documents, music, movies, and installed programs all save to your hard drive. Most modern PCs have hard drive with data capacities exceeding 100 GBs, meaning that the installation of Windows XP Professional x64 will take up only a minuscule portion of your hard drive. A terabyte is equal to 1,000 GB of hard drive space.