Compatability: 64bit processors 32bit software

Here's the deal,

I am going to build a dual core 64 bit system (amd x2 4400+). The goal is to see better rendering times while I video edit. The question is two fold.

1) Will I need to purchase 64 bit video editing software or will I see an improvmet utilizing the same old 32 bit software with the new 64 bit processor?

But, if I can find 64 bit editing software,

2) Will I need a 64 bit Operating System (Win Xp Pro x64) to utilize 64 bit software, or will I have the same performance from 64 bit software under a 32 bit operating system (Win Media Center 05).

Thank you for any answers that may come my way. Normally I would research all this myself, but at the moment I have NO TIME...(full time overnight job, last year in law school, wife and 8 month old)

Rough Specs on the system to be built...
AMD X2 4400+ (64 bit dual core 2.2Mhz Oh-My!)
2 Gigs DDR 400 dual channel
256MB DDR ATI Radeon RV370XT
Win Media Center 2005 (preferably, but this may change based on the answers to my questions, above)

 

Hi and welcome to MajorGeeks.

You will see an improvement with the new CPU, but not because it's 64 bit, but because it's a very fast chip anyway. (To use 64 bit you will need a 64 bit operating system)

There isn't a great deal of 64 bit software or drivers available, and any you find are usually Beta.

Personally, I don't think it's currently worth the effort.

 

It is definately not ( for me, anyhow) worth the effort...

But alas...stuck with it I am...until the freebie dies...then off I go to buy XP Pro...

 

Thanks Insomniac and MeitHed. The two of you seem to confirm what I have thought from the get go. Not enough software to unleash the full potential of 64 bits....but, oh the potential.

And just to be clear, even with the 64 bit processor and 64 bit software I would still need a 64 bit operating system? Would 64 bit software even install on a 32 bit operating system that had a 64 bit processor? If it could, the software would be stiffled by the 32 bit operating system, right?

 

I am thinking it would be relatively pointless to install 64 bit software that cannot be utilized on a non 64 bit OS... It may function but not at full capacity...

You can, however run 32 bit software on a 64 bit system...if the drivers and such can be found. Getting easier, but still a bit of a pain.

 

You can't install 64 bit software on 32 bit systems.

You can install 32 bit software on 64 bit operating systems, but there is no point.