32bits x 2 = 64bits?

[Wahsapa]

http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/cpu/display/20040507095407.html

i was just wondering if it was possible to some how support a 64bit os on a dual core 32bit processor like in the link above?

is this just plain out of the question? or could something actually be implemented?

 

[Soulkeeper]

64 bit is more than just the size 64 bit extensions and special capabilities also have to be added
i dunno if it would be possible but it would have to be some kinda 64-bit hardware emulation running on a 32-bit dual thread subsystem

just a guess tho, but if the cpu is 64-bit capable it will prob be 32 bit capable for awhile

 

[zephyrprime]

That's not how 64bittiness works. 64bittiness is actually really simple but not something that can effectively gained by using 2 cores. Also, even a 32-bit processor can do any of the 64bit arithmatic the a 64bit processor can do albeit slower.

 

[Wahsapa]

it would be interesting to see if intel could work something like that out =)
but now i doubt it

thanks for the info

 

[NeoPTLD]

How's that much different from using two processors on a dual socket motherboard?

 

[Sid59]

hrm .. dual core cpu flood from intel to compete with AMD64 .. that's gonna be weird.

32bit x 2 core does not equal 64 bit.

the same way 2 x 2ghz dual cpus do not equal 4 ghz.

 

[Vette73]

^


AMD already has Dual Core chips in the works also, BUT since they use the HT it seems like it should be more easy for them to do.

 

[WiZzACkR]

exactly. amd has done some seriously awesome job in anticipating things lately: 64bit is one marketing-hammer that made giant intel change their roadmap from top to bottom, opteron is one great server/small enterprise-space performer and CHEAP when compared to Xeons, industry acceptance has been grand, too (not that it has been likle that before for AMD) AND HT is going to make dualcore products a lot more tempting when looking at the AMD side of things... now they have to get their .09 process right and stay on schedule!

 

[Wahsapa]

anybody have more info on this dual core stuff?