64-Bit+Win XP?

[CidHighwind]

If I run a 64-Bit processor, do I need to run a 64-bit Operationg System? If not, will it have any negative effects running a 32-bit OS on a 64-bit CPU? If so, how would I download the new 64-Bit OS, if I cant even get it to start up!?

 

[CTho9305]

AMD 64-bit CPUs run normal 32-bit applications as well as 32-bit CPUs do. Intel's 64-bit CPUs are extraordinarily slow at 32-bit code (and I don't THINK you can run a 32-bit OS on them, but I'm not sure).

 

[CidHighwind]

Good, because mine is AMD.

So I dont need any special drivers or OSs to run the CPU. Thats a relief, as I already ordered some parts for it.

 

[Nothinman]

You don't need anything special, but you will still be running in 32-bit mode and as such will only be using a portion of the benefits of getting an Athlon64 or Opteron system.

But sadly if you want to run Windows you're better off sticking with the 32-bit OS for a while, virtually no apps are ported yet (but they would run in 32-bit mode even on the 64-bit OS) and virtually no drivers are ready either. If you want a real 64-bit OS with working drivers and apps you would want/need to run Linux or one of the BSDs as nearly everything for them has been 64-bit clean for many years.