AMD Athlon 64 3200+/3500+ & Compatibility

Hi.

I'm looking into buying either the AMD Athlon 64 3200+ or the 3500+.

My 1st question is if I go with these 64-bit Processors (I have a 64-bit supported motherboard already picked out), I don't need to have a 64-bit Windows, do I? And also, the addition hardware I put into my computer like sound card, graphics card, etc... will there be a problem with compatibility?

My 2nd question is the Athlon 64 3200+ is 2.0GHz and the Athlon 64 3500+ is 2.2Ghz... Should I pay the extra $35 for the .2 GHz?

Thank you all again.

 

1. 64 bit processors are designed to run in either 64 bit or 32 bit (the current standard). You don't need 64 bit Windows. All other hardware should be compatible.

2. I'm not sure.

 

okay since 1 has already been answered, I'll take a shot at 2.

2: It depends on the rest of your system really.
If you've got a fast videocard you'll want to get a cpu that's as fast as you can afford to make sure you've got as little of a cpu-bottleneck as possible.
basically, it comes down to the easiest question of all:
Can I afford it?
If you can, go for it.

 

AMD Athlon 64 3500+ (2.2GHz)
250 GB HDD
1 GB RAM
GeForce 6800GT
SB Audigy2 ZS

Should be ok (Art progz & Gaming)?

 

With that system I'd definetly get the 3500+, looks good man.

 

Thank you for the help and advice Fleppen and HollisBrown! Much appreciated!

 

No problem, that's what we're here for