why get 64-bit cpu?

Why should I get an athlon 64 when most programs aren't compiled as 64-bit? Is there any reason NOT to stick with 32-bit and then upgrade when 64-bit programs are common?

 

64's are better for a few reasons....

Better future compatibility...

They are better for gaming.

They have increased protection from virii.

Faster...

As of now, practically all the programs you use can be supported in either 64 or 32 bit...

 

If you have a good 32 bit system than hold out as long as you can. The new socket for Amd will be out late 2006 and Intel chips are going to the 65nm die size which should help with there heat issue, plus Win xp pro 64 still needs some drivers . As long as your system does what you want and your happy with it I say yes there is nothing wrong in waiting. Also Windows vista is not expected till late 2006 or early 2007 i belive.

 

I'm also looking forward to the new M2 socket for amd64. Which will bring down prices on the lesser machines.....

AMD64 and Intel's x64 are ready for 64 bit computing.

But as of right now, you can still upgrade to either side. If you feel that your current system is slow with the new software that is out there, then post some specs, so we can determine your bottleneck.

I'm still in the backwater, running a slow XP 3200+, with low memory (512). Though, I'm upgrading to over a gig of ram soon.

 

Heh, your ALMOST as slow as me... Im running a 2800+ (Oc'd to 2.2GHz on stock cooling and air of course) with 1 GB of ram, timings OC'd to 2-2-2-4 at 1.8V..... Not bad for a budget system..

However i will be upgrading to a Skt 939 mobo, CPU and a PCI-E video card soon... I dont plan on getting the new socket because, it just seems pointless.... I dont plan on spending top dollar for a new thing when i could get BLAZING fast performance from an x64 system for around $300....

 

the main reason is simply because they outperform 32 bit processors-- even in 32 bit operations. others have made good points

on a side note, I dont see much support at ALL going into XP_X64 edition, i've helped friends install this and worked for hours with driver issues in gaming, and it seems very few games have 64 bit patches or are tested in X_64. My guess is that X_64 will build very slowly if at all, as efforts are going towards Windows Vista, which will be 64 bit compatible.

 

I'll stay with 32-bit then. What socket type motherboard can I get now for a 32-bit processor that will work with 64-bit? (socket 939 doesn't seem to support 32-bit, unless I'm mistaken here...)

 

Lemme ask something else: If I get 64-bit, can XP 32-bit still run withtout any problems, and will Counter-strike run on that the same way as it runs on a 32-bit processor then?

I'm just mainly concerned with what apps I can run. If I can still run 32-bit windows, then I'll have no problem getting an amd64.

 

Yes they'll work fine, it's like using a Playstation 2 and playing original Playstation games, but not compatible the other way, i.e. using a 32bit cpu for running 64bit apps.

 

maybe you misread what we're saying above.

there is NO reason to stay with strictly 32 bit processors. they run hotter, are slower, and cost the same amount. 64 bit processors do everything 32 bit ones do, plus more

pair that with the current price drop of Athlon64 CPU's and you cant go wrong with them.

 

True


Also-I have a dual boot machine, i have win-64 and just xp home and home is just faster running. the 64 bit OS needs a bit faster processor than a standard 3500+. I think around fall 2006 we will have some serious improvements in cpu's.

which gives me time to save..haha...AMD seems to be passing intel now. Putting that final nail in the coffin. The lawsuits show what intel has been doing wrong, and benchmarking shows the stronger processors. AMD's market share is riseing and with that hopefully new technology at a faster rate.

I beleive it is up to software developers now to take full advantage of the processors available today. Right now because of the advantages mentioned below it is semi-foolish to go with a non 64 bit processor. And even more to go with one from intel lol. For an average computer user, a 32 bit cpu should be fine for the time being. and until your machine stops doing what you need it to do there is no need to upgrade.

 

Your bottom comparison area is arguable.... An x64 IN THEORY (well this is what i think...) would be GOOD for web browsing also because if your *accidentally* get a virus from *a web site* the less chance you have of getting one because there are pretty much zero virii that are x64... practically ALL virii now are x32...

For an average gamer=Yes

In general you will have better gaming quality, Im an average gamer and i need more speed (but im a hardcore OC'er too).... So this one might still be no...

However i would like to add one to the list..

For Overclockers= Yes

The Athlon 64's are EXTREMELY overclockable.... except the FX-57 due to EXTREMELY little headroom since its already 2.8GHz!

 

Its not worth all the extra money for a dual core since gaming benchmarks were like 2% higher..... Unless youve got the cash and want mad bragging rights...

 

benchmarks are not everything. Dont realy tell you much, just gives you a general idea.

 

Yea, they are just synthetic... like the writing test they give us in school (the one i got a 3 out of 8 on was about suicide, it was 4 stanza's, 4 lines in a stanza) and they expected us to write 5 full sized paragraphs out of it!

Anyways, I hear that the X2's are pretty much good for running multiple programs... so if you wanted to run 2 games on 2 different monitors with 2 video cards in SLI? knock yourself out!