A 64-Bit Computer: Your Next PC?

Dom · Sep 2, 2003, 03:01 AM

Upcoming CPUs from AMD and Apple suggest 64-bit computing will come to a PC near you as soon as this fall.

What does that mean for you? Put it this way: It's not about more megahertz--it's about doubling the amount of data a CPU can process per clock cycle.

A 64-bit PC won't make your word processor run faster, but it can dramatically improve more-demanding applications, resulting in smoother, faster video encoding; better performance on complex programs like CAD; and richer, more detailed games. Over the long term, 64-bit computing will give programmers server-level power and could revolutionize what desktop software can do.

The 64-bit chips (Apple's IBM-made G5 and AMD's Athlon 64) process more data than 32-bit CPUs (Intel's Pentium 4, the Athlon XP, and the Motorola-made G4), and they can address more memory. While 32-bit chips address up to 4GB of physical memory, a 64-bit chip can address up to 16 exabytes of RAM--that's 16 billion gigabytes. (Apple's shipping G5, and high-end Athlon 64 PCs, due this fall, will likely hold a maximum 8GB of RAM, however.)

Though it has the 64-bit Itanium server chip, CPU powerhouse Intel has conspicuously not announced a 64-bit desktop chip. (Unlike AMD's and Apple's chips, Itanium can run 32-bit apps only under slower software emulation.) But there are rumors that Intel has ready a 32- and 64-bit-capable CPU, code-named Yamhill, in case 64-bit desktop computing takes off.

To take advantage of 64-bit chips, you need a 64-bit-capable operating system, apps, and hardware drivers. They won't emerge anytime soon.

Apple's Jaguar and Panther OS upgrades (both due this year) will support 32-bit apps that can make 64-bit requests of the CPU. But a full 64-bit OS has not been announced. Athlon 64 will work like previous Athlons under Windows XP, but its 64-bit abilities will be dormant until Microsoft ships a 64-bit Windows for the chip. That OS, which will support 32-bit apps, is in testing; no word yet on its ship date.

Most software vendors are vague about when their products will offer 64-bit support. Epic Games, maker of the Unreal franchise, is an exception. It has already updated Unreal Tournament 2003 and is awaiting a compatible 64-bit OS, says Tim Sweeney, company founder and lead programmer. In the works is Epic's first fully 64-bit game, due in 2005.

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Source: PCWorld

DriveEuro · Sep 2, 2003, 06:03 PM

Like the way that all technology works, Apple will get it working right first, then PC will steal it and make it better. Firewire, DVDR, USB (not sure if Mac had it first)..... OH yeah, and even the thought of having windows inside of an OS, yes, bill gates stole that idea from Steve Jobs

rogeld · Sep 2, 2003, 06:17 PM

And Apple stole it from Xerox. Blah blah blah blah.

FuNsTeR · Sep 2, 2003, 07:42 PM

to go with the 64bit processor and Mobo , you'll need a 64 bit sound card , 64 bit Graphics card , Hard Drive (probably) , 64 bit modem , memory etc etc .... i think i'll wait several years before i upgrade

~~craig588~~ · Sep 2, 2003, 08:09 PM

Memory is already 64bit, videocards are 128 bit, HDs are 32bit (Might be 48bit) modems, nics, mobos and soundcards are still only 32 bit though.

@/2ct!< · Sep 2, 2003, 11:04 PM

Im still a little confused, how well will 64 bits run 32bit codes in windows?

peterosesbookie · Sep 7, 2003, 06:46 AM

I posted this awhile ago that Tyan has made a new server/workstation with dual opterons. It is called the Tyan Thunder K8W. Check it out Here! I hope that you will enjoy this search. Another thing is that this board also supports PCI-X components which are yet to be seen.

later

pete

AlternateVirus · Sep 8, 2003, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by @/2ct!<
Im still a little confused, how well will 64 bits run 32bit codes in windows?

any 32bit softwares running on XP64 with A64 processor will run as fast as it would be on 32bit OS with 32bit (same clocked speed)processor. there is no performance hit from running on 64bit OS. Except some softwares but it will be very rare. this isnt true with XP64 on Intel's It processor which runs the 32bit softwares with emu software that will have a lot of performance hit.

however most 32bit apps will benefit from a64 because of the intergrated mem controller.
i hope that clears it up for you.

Sep 2, 2003, 03:01 AM	#1
Dom DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 12,940 Rep Power: 0	A 64-Bit Computer: Your Next PC? Upcoming CPUs from AMD and Apple suggest 64-bit computing will come to a PC near you as soon as this fall. What does that mean for you? Put it this way: It's not about more megahertz--it's about doubling the amount of data a CPU can process per clock cycle. A 64-bit PC won't make your word processor run faster, but it can dramatically improve more-demanding applications, resulting in smoother, faster video encoding; better performance on complex programs like CAD; and richer, more detailed games. Over the long term, 64-bit computing will give programmers server-level power and could revolutionize what desktop software can do. The 64-bit chips (Apple's IBM-made G5 and AMD's Athlon 64) process more data than 32-bit CPUs (Intel's Pentium 4, the Athlon XP, and the Motorola-made G4), and they can address more memory. While 32-bit chips address up to 4GB of physical memory, a 64-bit chip can address up to 16 exabytes of RAM--that's 16 billion gigabytes. (Apple's shipping G5, and high-end Athlon 64 PCs, due this fall, will likely hold a maximum 8GB of RAM, however.) Though it has the 64-bit Itanium server chip, CPU powerhouse Intel has conspicuously not announced a 64-bit desktop chip. (Unlike AMD's and Apple's chips, Itanium can run 32-bit apps only under slower software emulation.) But there are rumors that Intel has ready a 32- and 64-bit-capable CPU, code-named Yamhill, in case 64-bit desktop computing takes off. To take advantage of 64-bit chips, you need a 64-bit-capable operating system, apps, and hardware drivers. They won't emerge anytime soon. Apple's Jaguar and Panther OS upgrades (both due this year) will support 32-bit apps that can make 64-bit requests of the CPU. But a full 64-bit OS has not been announced. Athlon 64 will work like previous Athlons under Windows XP, but its 64-bit abilities will be dormant until Microsoft ships a 64-bit Windows for the chip. That OS, which will support 32-bit apps, is in testing; no word yet on its ship date. Most software vendors are vague about when their products will offer 64-bit support. Epic Games, maker of the Unreal franchise, is an exception. It has already updated Unreal Tournament 2003 and is awaiting a compatible 64-bit OS, says Tim Sweeney, company founder and lead programmer. In the works is Epic's first fully 64-bit game, due in 2005. ______________________ Source: PCWorld

Sep 2, 2003, 06:03 PM	#2
DriveEuro HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gurnee Illinois Posts: 4,677 Rep Power: 0	Like the way that all technology works, Apple will get it working right first, then PC will steal it and make it better. Firewire, DVDR, USB (not sure if Mac had it first)..... OH yeah, and even the thought of having windows inside of an OS, yes, bill gates stole that idea from Steve Jobs __________________ [color=orange]ASUS P4P800 Deluxe [color=black]-[/color] 2.4C --> 3300mhz [color=black]-[/color] Mushkin PC3200 at 220 5-2-2-2 (cpu limited) [color=black]-[/color] BBAti 9800Pro at 430/375 [/color] [color=black]3[/color][color=gray]D[/color]M[color=black]a[/color][color=gray]r[/color]k[color=yellow]01[/color] [color=black]3[/color][color=gray]D[/color]M[color=black]a[/color][color=gray]r[/color]k[color=yellow]03[/color] 16001200 12801024

Sep 2, 2003, 07:42 PM	#4
FuNsTeR Caledonian and Proud Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Darkest Ayrshire Posts: 1,305 Rep Power: 88 System Specs	to go with the 64bit processor and Mobo , you'll need a 64 bit sound card , 64 bit Graphics card , Hard Drive (probably) , 64 bit modem , memory etc etc .... i think i'll wait several years before i upgrade __________________ "They say when you play a Microsoft CD backwards you can hear satanic messages ..... but that's nothing, if you play it forward it will install Windows"

Sep 2, 2003, 11:04 PM	#6
@/2ct!< HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Not Vegas, anymore :( Posts: 1,391 Rep Power: 0	Im still a little confused, how well will 64 bits run 32bit codes in windows? __________________

Sep 7, 2003, 06:46 AM	#7
peterosesbookie HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: OHIO Posts: 556 Rep Power: 0	There already is a dual 64 bit system on the market today with great graphics I posted this awhile ago that Tyan has made a new server/workstation with dual opterons. It is called the Tyan Thunder K8W. Check it out Here! I hope that you will enjoy this search. Another thing is that this board also supports PCI-X components which are yet to be seen. later pete __________________ A Cat almost always blinks when hit in the head with a ball peen hammer!

Sep 2, 2003, 06:17 PM	#3
rogeld DriverHeaven Addict Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 259 Rep Power: 0	And Apple stole it from Xerox. Blah blah blah blah.

Sep 2, 2003, 08:09 PM	#5
~~craig588~~ Banned Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: In clothing Posts: 3,510 Rep Power: 0	Memory is already 64bit, videocards are 128 bit, HDs are 32bit (Might be 48bit) modems, nics, mobos and soundcards are still only 32 bit though.