If a motherboard can run a 64-bit processor, it is a 64-bit motherboard.
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.
Instructions
Check the Socket Type With CPU-Z
1. Download, install and open CPU-Z (see References for a link).
2. Click on the CPU tab.
3. Read the "Package" section. As an example, an AMD Phenom II processor could come up as having a "Socket AM3 (938)" connection.
4. Check to see if the socket type supports 64-bit processors in the Tips section.
Check Through Windows
5. Click on the Start menu.
6. Right-click on "My Computer" and select "Properties."
7. Click the Windows Experience Index.
8. Select "view and print detailed performance and system information."
9. 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
10. 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.
11. Look for the processor connection socket type.
12. Compare the socket type to the list of 64-bit compatible sockets in the Tips section.
Tags: socket type, 64-bit compatible, 64-bit processor, running 64-bit, motherboard 64-bit, running 64-bit compatible