Can Windows Vista run on the Intel-based Macs?

The quick answer to this question is "yes". A more in-depth answer from December 2, 2006 -- prior to the release of Windows Vista -- is provided below for your review.

Also see: Which Intel Macs are capable of booting the 32-Bit and 64-Bit versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7? Which are supported by Apple's Boot Camp?

A quick trip to an archive of Microsoft's Windows Vista "Get Ready" website provides the hardware requirements for a "Vista Capable" and "Vista Premium Ready" system.

Microsoft states that a "capable" system is one that can run Windows Vista and "deliver core experiences such as innovations in organizing and finding information, security, and reliability" but "run these core experiences at a minimum". Some Mac users may find the idea of running the "core experiences" of security and reliability "at a minimum" a bit amusing.

Nevertheless, Microsoft says a "capable" system must have at least:

• An 800 MHz or faster Intel-compatible processor.
• 512 MB of RAM.
• A graphics processor that is "DirectX 9 capable".

Even the slowest Intel-based Mac, the Mac mini "Core Solo" 1.5, has a 1.5 GHz Intel "Core Solo" processor, 512 MB of RAM installed by default (upgradable to 2 GB), and as noted on the relevant Intel specifications page, the "integrated" Intel GMA950 graphics processor has "DirectX 9 3D hardware acceleration". All other Intel-based Macs have greater capabilities, and likewise, are "capable" of running Windows Vista.

However, a system that only meets the very modest "capable" requirements probably will be unable to run the MacOS X "Aqua-esq" Windows Aero user interface.

For "an even better Windows Vista experience" Microsoft recommends a "premium ready" system, which must include at least:

• A 1 GHz or faster Intel-compatible 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
• 1 GB of RAM.
• A graphics processor that runs Windows Aero.
• 128 MB of graphics memory.
• 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
• A DVD-ROM drive.
• Audio output and internet access capability.

In the default configuration, all Mac Pro models are fully compatible with Windows Vista. Additionally, some MacBook Pro and Intel iMac models only are prevented from reaching the "premium ready" designation because of Apple's default skimpy installation of 512 MB of RAM. If you have a MacBook Pro or Intel iMac with less than 1 GB of RAM, you will need to upgrade the RAM in order to reach the recommended requirements to run Windows Vista. Realistically, MacOS X also runs much more smoothly with at least 1 GB of RAM installed.

As configured by default, all MacBook models released prior to November 1, 2007, and Mac mini "Core" models (along with the iMac "Core Duo" 1.83 17-Inch (IG), and the iMac "Core 2 Duo" 1.83 17-Inch) fail to reach the 1 GB of RAM requirement by default and with "Intel GMA950 graphics processor[s] with 64 MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory" fail to meet the 128 MB of graphics memory requirement as well.

Regardless, in the "Windows Vista Capable and Premium Ready" footnotes, Microsoft acknowledges that Windows Aero requires a "DirectX 9 class graphics processor" that "supports a WDDM driver, pixel shader 2.0 in hardware, and 32 bits per pixel". Intel's website reports that the GMA950 supports those features and is "ready for Microsoft Windows Vista". Microsoft also says that with 64 MB of graphics memory, a computer can run Windows Vista with Aero but will only "support a single monitor less than 1,310,720 pixels", which in more usual terms is a 1280x1040 display.

As MacBook models released prior to November 1, 2007 have a 1280x800 native resolution display, these can run Windows Vista with Aero on the internal display -- but not an external display at the same time -- provided that 1 GB or more RAM is installed. The Mac mini "Core" systems, likewise, can run Windows Vista with Aero on a display no larger than 1280x1040 if at least 1 GB of RAM is installed.

Windows Vista with Aero would not formally be supported on the iMac "Core Duo" 1.83 17-Inch (IG), and the iMac "Core 2 Duo" 1.83 17-Inch, even with 1 GB of RAM installed, as each has a 1440x900 native resolution display.

A video clip of the Windows Aero interface in action on a system using a GMA950 graphics processor is available.

Ultimately, with at least 1 GB of RAM installed, nearly all Intel-based Macs will meet the basic "premium ready" requirements and run Windows Vista with Aero, should you choose to do so.

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