All of Intel and AMD's motherboards that have the correct socket type for a 64-bit processor can operate in 64-bit mode. The socket is the part of the motherboard that connects to the processor. The motherboard may need a BIOS update to run a 64-bit processor when upgrading from a 32-bit one. If you are wondering if a motherboard you are running is 64-bit compatible it may be faster to first check if the processor you are running is 64-bit compatible. If the processor is not, you can check the motherboard's socket type.
Check the Socket Type With CPU-Z
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Step 1
Download, install and open CPU-Z (see References for a link).
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Step 2
Click on the CPU tab.
Step 3
Read the "Package" section. As an example, an AMD Phenom II processor could come up as having a "Socket AM3 (938)" connection.
Step 4
Check to see if the socket type supports 64-bit processors in the Tips section.
Check Through Windows
Step 1
Click on the Start menu.
Step 2
Right-click on "My Computer" and select "Properties."
Step 3
Click the Windows Experience Index.
Step 4
Select "view and print detailed performance and system information."
Step 5
Read the "System" section to determine if the computer is running in 64-bit or is 64-bit capable. A yes answer for either means the motherboard is 64-bit.
Check With a Spec Sheet
Step 1
Refer to either the motherboard's features section on the spec sheet or the diagram. This information is usually included with the computer's manual.
Step 2
Look for the processor connection socket type.
Step 3
Compare the socket type to the list of 64-bit compatible sockets in the Tips section.