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I am using Windows 7 (64 bit). What does mean Windows (x86).

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Quick clarification for , building on 's remark: when a download or label says "Windows (x86)" it means the 32-bit edition of Windows. On a 32-bit Windows the OS and apps are limited to roughly 4 GB of addressable RAM and you must use 32-bit drivers and installers. "Windows (x64)" is the 64-bit edition and is what you want if your machine and OS support it.

About your Core i5 question: most Intel Core i5 processors implement Intel's 64-bit extensions (x86-64 / Intel 64), so they can run either a 32-bit or a 64-bit OS. If your Core i5 is paired with Windows 7 (64-bit), you are already running the 64-bit OS and should choose x64 downloads/drivers to make full use of memory and 64-bit applications. If you have a 32-bit Windows install on that CPU, switching to 64-bit requires a clean reinstall and 64-bit drivers.

How to check what you actually have:

  • In Windows 7 go to Control Panel -> System and look for "System type" (it will say "64-bit Operating System" or "32-bit Operating System").
  • For more detail run System Information (msinfo32) and check "System Type" (for example "x64-based PC").

A few practical notes: 64-bit Windows can run most 32-bit applications via WoW64 but cannot run 16-bit programs. Device drivers must match the OS bitness, so older peripherals may lack 64-bit drivers. For background reading on the architectures and CPU support see x86, x86-64 and Intel 64.

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Member Avatar for Netcode

The term x86 refers to a family of instruction set architectures based on the Intel 8086 CPU.

Member Avatar for Onlineshade

The term x86 refers to a family of instruction set architectures based on the Intel 8086 CPU.

Is Intel core i5 is related to it?

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