64bit procs, can i load a 32bit OS?

[OutHouse]

My XP 1800 died and im looking to build a new box. the only thing i need is a new motherboard and processor. I would like to get a 64bit proc but can i load XP 32bit OS?

 

[Markbnj]

Yes, you'll be fine.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Depends on the processor. If it's alpha, sparc, mips, or a POWER varient then you'll have issues. If it's an AMD64 based chip you'll be fine.

 

[Schadenfroh]

32bit code runs like normal on an AMD Athlon64.

 

[Trey22]

Originally posted by: Citrix
My XP 1800 died and im looking to build a new box. the only thing i need is a new motherboard and processor. I would like to get a 64bit proc but can i load XP 32bit OS?

Going w/ an X2 or just the single core?

Edit: Apologies, unrelated to your question, just out of curiosity.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
32bit code runs like normal on a 64bit cpu like an athlon 64.

Not all 64-bit CPUs support 32-bit. For example, the Opterons didn't use to IIRC. I'm sure Intel had a 64-bit-only proc.

The Athlon 64 is a 32-bit CPU with 64-bit extensions.

 

[Nothinman]

Not all 64-bit CPUs support 32-bit. For example, the Opterons didn't use to IIRC. I'm sure Intel had a 64-bit-only proc.

Opterons have always had a 32-bit mode AFAIK and Intel's only 64-bit CPU that I know of, IA64, also runs 32-bit software although it's painfully slow.

The Athlon 64 is a 32-bit CPU with 64-bit extensions.

So are the Opterons and the Intel EM64T chips.