64-bit an incentive for A64?

[BehindEnemyLines]

I'm still deciding whether I should take the 64-bit route or get an Intel 3.2G HT P4. The system isn't for gaming, just for some heavy multi-tasking (video encoding, tv tuner, internet, music....etc at the same time).

Would the A64 2800+ or 3000+ be able to handle that kind of multitasking in Windows XP PRO? I heard the P4 is much better at these simultaneous tasks. Since I'm not planning to upgrade the system for some time, should I get the 64-bit when Windows XP 64bit and more applications become available? How does performance wise when we compare two SAME application except one is 32-bit and the other is 64-bit?

If the system is used for single task only such as audio conversion and video encoding, which is better suited?

 

[Falloutboy]

if I were you depending on how bad your current system is I would wait for duel core chips to comeout and make you decision then

 

[BehindEnemyLines]

I completely forgot those dual core ones. What are the expected debut for Intel and AMD and cost per chip (for the first release)? My system is okay and able to handle day to day activities but really crawl when using CPU intensive programs. It's Athlon-XP 1800+.

 

[Duvie]

Yuo will likely need to wait for at least 6 months and that would be Intel gets to the market first....AMD has already said it was geting dual core opterons to the market first then desktops (san diego code name I believe).......AMD list 2H of 05 as release time so anywhere from 6-12 months from them....

P4's are still the best at multitasking and I went from a P4 to this A64 in my sig.....

You dont look like you upgrade too much so this may stay with you for at least 1-2 years right??? If so you could get the A64 now and ptoentially (knock on wood) upgrade the cpu to dual core when it comes out...Rumor has iit the dual core desktop version MAY be sckt 939...Make sense since AMD is making the dual core opteron sckt 940 the current sckt of opterons now....

 

[Mrvile]

Duvie, the FX55 beat the P4 3.4EE in everything except Musicmatch. Yes, even Photoshop.

 

[Duvie]

Originally posted by: Mrvile
Duvie, the FX55 beat the P4 3.4EE in everything except Musicmatch. Yes, even Photoshop.

Multi-tasking bud!!!! Review sites do piss poor testing on that so you need to take it form someone who has owned a p4 at 3.5ghz and a A64 at 2.6ghz speed....

flat out single tasking speed??? I dont doubt it the FX wins it all....Multitasking?? Different ballgame...

 

[CJP]

Aren't the 64 bit versions of the Pentium 4 coming out soon? That would give you 64 bit compatibility and hyperthreading as well without having to wait for dual core processors.

 

[uOpt]

You can get single-CPU Pentium-4 systems with EMT64. You need one with the "J" version number, I think, and a 925XE chipset board. The Xeons have it for some time already.

Note, however, that you can make use of 64 bits only if you run a 64 bit OS, which is a smallish adventure right now.

As for hyperthreading, I found it greatly speeds up the situation of a game running in the foreground and CPU intensive stuff (enciding, compilation) in the background, and I assume the same applies if you use a webbrowser in the foreground. But from a raw performance/speedup point it is pretty close to useless (about 10% speedup).

 

[BehindEnemyLines]

I guess the main idea is that whether the HT in P4 helps me get a "smoother" experience why doing multiple CPU intensive applications (such as ripping/encoding DVD, virus scanning while watching TV which is impossible when Kaspersky kicks in, or running distributed programs with a combination of the above running).

I've used the P4 3.2E HT before on a friend's computer, and it was doing DVD encoding/ripping. The computer still ran smoothly without any hickup or slow down (the CPU was using only 40-50%). Another friend has A64 2800+ running same programs doing the same tasks (using 90-100% CPU) - I notice a slow in performance while using the Internet and watching TV - sluggish.

The 64EMT P4 might be too much (probably can't afford it). I just saw Fry's two combo deals with:

1. A64 3200+ w/ ECS MB - SiS 755 chipset - S754)
2. Intel P4 3.2GHz HT w/ ECS MB doesn't say which on website

I'm deciding between the two processor A64 2800+ or 3200+ (S939 if possible) or the Intel 3.2GH HT. Still undecided for mobos though.

 

[UzairH]

If you want a good multitasking CPU now (rather than wait at least 6 or more months for a dual-core P4) than the current P4s are definitely better than the A64. Sure, in single-process/thread tasks A64 kicks the P4's butt, but the P4's hyperthreading does make a major difference when running two heavy apps/multithreaded apps. Look at this Extremetech.com review of the Prescott 3.6GHz: http://www.extremetech.com/art.../0,1558,1616192,00.asp

 

[Megatomic]

Here is a very credible endorsement for the adoption and use of 64 bit systems and operating systems:

MediaWorkstation talks to Cakewalk engineer

Now you tell me.