Mac Pro Multiple OS on Multiple HDDs.

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Level 1

135 points

Mac Pro Multiple OS on Multiple HDDs.

I want to take advantage of the 4 hard drive bays on my Mac Pro, so I want to install Windows on a second Hard Drive. can I do that through Bootcamp? or do I need to install it while using the second HD? also with my specs I am not sure what OS to install

Specs: 4GB Ram, 2.66 GHz Xeon, NIVIDA 7300GT 256MB, 500GB HDD.

My Windows choices are: XP SP3 (x32), Vista, Windows 7 (x32), or Windows 8 (x32)

Cheers,

Adam

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.5), Xeon 2.66 GHz, 4GB Ram, 320 GB HDD

Posted on May 4, 2015 5:52 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

lllaass

Level 10

210,423 points

May 5, 2015 9:22 AM in response to applefreak111

For what versions of windows you can run and what version of BootCamp yu have to use see:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204048

To install windows via BC see:

http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp/

Note that 4 GB of memory is really marginal. Nimix is good memory

http://www.amazon.com/4X4GB-Certified-Memory-2006-2007-MA356LL/dp/B0085MH2II

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Answer 2

May 5, 2015 9:23 AM in response to applefreak111

Hi Adam,

I run Windows 7 64 bit on a second HDD using the Bootcamp setup utility without issue. Personally I wuld use Win 7 64 bit if i had choice between it or any other version of Windows.

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Answer 3

lllaass

Level 10

210,423 points

May 5, 2015 3:59 AM in response to Peter Miller

Based on:

Specs: 4GB Ram, 2.66 GHz Xeon, NIVIDA 7300GT 256MB,

The OP and a 2006/2007 Mac Pro and can only run 32 bit Win 7 and 32 bit Win Vista

System requirements to install Windows on your Mac via Boot Camp - Apple Support

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Answer 4

applefreak111 Author

Level 1

135 points

May 5, 2015 9:22 AM in response to lllaass

Thanks,
Cheers,

Adam

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Answer 5

The hatter

Level 9

60,990 points

May 5, 2015 9:45 AM in response to applefreak111

32-bit Windows in a 1,1 will only address 1.9GB RAM (you need more even for Lion probably)

64-bit versions are PITA after Vista SP1 (and XP and Vista are not good candidates, support, security and vulnerable)

You could outside of gaming use Windows in a VM - adn putting OS X and Windows on SSD helps a lot with either and both, just be sure to allocate and buy 250GB SSD at least.

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Answer 6

applefreak111 Author

Level 1

135 points

May 5, 2015 12:28 PM in response to The hatter

With only 4GB Ram, I'd rather use a separate HDD, to allow use of all Ram, Processors, and VRam for both Operating Systems. Though it is a good suggestion, I'd probably have to upgrade to 8GB Ram to allow both OS's to run smoothly in that situation. And honestly, I wasn't planning on gaming for the Windows HD, I started making Minecraft Mods, and need Paint.NET to properly do this. Thanks for the input though.

Cheers,
Adam

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