64 bit gaming

[mumbs]

I am interested in purchasing a 64 bit amd computer, and would like to know the benefit of having one of these over 32-bit. Is it better for the games that are out right now? I mean, does the game have to have 64 bits built into it, so the computer can utilize all of it's potential? What 64 bit games are available now?

 

[knothead34]

as far as gaming amd is it. there is a 64 bit far cry game i believe but afaik thats it. 64 bit windows os just came out.

 

[leegroves]

For now you can't really reap the benefits of 64 bit computing. However in near future it will be predominant.

 

[fierydemise]

Right now 64 bit isn't all that important for gaming, but the Athlon64 is the fastest CPU for gaming anyway.

 

[FlyingPenguin]

If you buy a system now (especially an AMD) it's a no brainer to get a 64-bit CPU. They're not all that much more expensive, it keeps you 64bit compliant for the future, and the 64bit processors (even running 32bit Windows) are faster than their 32bit counterparts of the same clock speed).

HOWEVER you may not want to rush into going with WinXP 64bit operating system just yet though (and yes you do need 64bit WinXP installed to make use of 64-bit applications).

IMO (for what that worth) 64 bit gaming won't be a reality until after the end of this year. Some existing games have 64 bit ports like FarCry but they're few and in between.

Meanwhile, since 64bit is still new and drivers aren't fully optimized yet you will actually see some performance loss in 32bit games as evidenced in this article here: http://www.simhq.com/_technology/technology_043a.html

Me personally I would wait until this Xmas when we'll probably see a bunch of REAL 64bit games (designed for it from the ground up for 64bit) and hopefully Service Pack 1 will be out for WinXP 64bit.

If you do upgrade to 64bit be VERY sure you have 64bit drivers available for all your hardware. Plenty of people are having problems just find sound drivers. This will get better over time, although support for some older hardware may never be available.

 

[Scrubber]

Improvements are likely to be in the graphics as shown here

 

[imported_Starman]

I seem to remember Valve was promoting 64-bit extensions for Half Life 2 (before it was released) so expect a 64-bit patch for that game as well. I haven't tried the 64-bit patch for Far Cry because I'm waiting for my X2 chip, but I'm sure it's awesome. Expect other companies to follow.

 

[mumbs]

So I guess it's a good idea to hold off on buying a 64 bit computer til the end of the year, when they actually have games out, and parts for the computer I wanna build will be cheaper too. Thanks for your replies.