Any reasons to get a 64bit processor?

[LuckyTaxi]

Looking to build a desktop system, but I'm not sure as to which processor I should purchase. I do know I want an AMD chip, and I've seen a lot of advertisements pertaining to the 64bit chip. My understanding is that the chip is great for 64bit application, but most of the things I run are still in the "32bit mode." I'll be running Windows XP, which is 32bit, correct?

So, is it worth it or should I stick with the higher end Athlon XPs?
BTW ... I dont intend to play games on the system. Just basic web browsing, email checking and web development. I guess 64bit is overkill, but if the price difference isnt too much from the higher end XP chip, I'll go with the 64bit.

 

[ts3433]

Well, the A64 2800 is cheaper than the AXP 3200 and trounces it in just about everything. All A64s are faster than most everything else [[revision: that is, at each processor's respective price point vs. the P4 and in the case of the low end, the AXP]] at consumer level for most 32-bit applications, with 64-bit being a bonus. However, if you're not gaming, a cheap Sempron/AXP rig might be better unless the cost difference between that setup and an A64 2800/cheap NF3 mobo is negligible (this A64 option with Epox's board should run you around $200).

 

[imported_Computer MAn]

Originally posted by: ts3433
Well, the A64 2800 is cheaper than the AXP 3200 and pounces it in just about everything. All A64s are faster than most everything else at consumer level for most 32-bit applications, with 64-bit being a bonus. However, if you're not gaming, a cheap Sempron/AXP rig might be better unless the cost difference between that setup and an A64 2800/cheap NF3 mobo is negligible (this A64 option with Epox's board should run you around $200).

 

[SickBeast]

Originally posted by: Computer MAn

Originally posted by: ts3433
Well, the A64 2800 is cheaper than the AXP 3200 and pounces it in just about everything. All A64s are faster than most everything else at consumer level for most 32-bit applications, with 64-bit being a bonus. However, if you're not gaming, a cheap Sempron/AXP rig might be better unless the cost difference between that setup and an A64 2800/cheap NF3 mobo is negligible (this A64 option with Epox's board should run you around $200).

 

[suklee]

oh what the heck, i'll join in on the fun

Originally posted by: SickBeast

Originally posted by: Computer MAn

Originally posted by: ts3433
Well, the A64 2800 is cheaper than the AXP 3200 and pounces it in just about everything. All A64s are faster than most everything else at consumer level for most 32-bit applications, with 64-bit being a bonus. However, if you're not gaming, a cheap Sempron/AXP rig might be better unless the cost difference between that setup and an A64 2800/cheap NF3 mobo is negligible (this A64 option with Epox's board should run you around $200).

 

[jiffylube1024]

I don't know where you read the A64 is only good as a '64 bit chip' ? 99.999% of all information on the CPU is regarding it's capabilities as a 32-bit chip. Anand has yet to review the A64 chips as anything but 32-bit CPU's AFAIK.

Originally posted by: Kai920

Originally posted by: SickBeast

Originally posted by: Computer MAn

Originally posted by: ts3433
Well, the A64 2800 is cheaper than the AXP 3200 and pounces it in just about everything. All A64s are faster than most everything else at consumer level for most 32-bit applications, with 64-bit being a bonus. However, if you're not gaming, a cheap Sempron/AXP rig might be better unless the cost difference between that setup and an A64 2800/cheap NF3 mobo is negligible (this A64 option with Epox's board should run you around $200).

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: jiffylube1024
Just because he could have easily used the search function to get his answer, I'll join in as well.

Originally posted by: Kai920

Originally posted by: SickBeast

Originally posted by: Computer MAn

Originally posted by: ts3433
Well, the A64 2800 is cheaper than the AXP 3200 and pounces it in just about everything. All A64s are faster than most everything else at consumer level for most 32-bit applications, with 64-bit being a bonus. However, if you're not gaming, a cheap Sempron/AXP rig might be better unless the cost difference between that setup and an A64 2800/cheap NF3 mobo is negligible (this A64 option with Epox's board should run you around $200).

Oh, oh, me too!! 😉

 

[DrMrLordX]

Originally posted by: jiffylube1024
I don't know where you read the A64 is only good as a '64 bit chip' ? 99.999% of all information on the CPU is regarding it's capabilities as a 32-bit chip. Anand has yet to review the A64 chips as anything but 32-bit CPU's AFAIK.

Anandtech has done a few 64-bit Linux benchmarks with the Athlon 64 and with Opterons, but that's about it.

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: DrMrLordX

Originally posted by: jiffylube1024
I don't know where you read the A64 is only good as a '64 bit chip' ? 99.999% of all information on the CPU is regarding it's capabilities as a 32-bit chip. Anand has yet to review the A64 chips as anything but 32-bit CPU's AFAIK.

Anandtech has done a few 64-bit Linux benchmarks with the Athlon 64 and with Opterons, but that's about it.

The ones ive seen performed terribly, but were attributed to 64 bit windows sucking and low support from OEMs on drivers.

 

[canadianpsycho]

If all you're doing is general PC stuff like emailing and webbrowsing, why buy a 32 bit chip when you can have a 64 bit chip already ready if XP 64-bit turns out to be the bee's knees?

 

[uOpt]

64 bit Linux (at least Fedora Core 2 and 3) pretty much works flawlessly.

However, there is no big advantage either for general usage and for some applications you need to run 32 bit versions.

So overall not really recommended for end users.

The reason to get an AMD64 is not that it is 64 bits but that it is a fast processor for the money.

 

[FlameDeer]

Cheap Sempron 3100+ (32-bit) socket 754 system is a good choice. 🙂

With it you can save your money for next major upgrade but still you have a 754 platform ready to support 64-bit (Athlon64 socket 754) anytime in future you need. 🙂

 

[ts3433]

I wouldn't get a Semp 3100, as it's only $8 (Newegg) less than the A64 2800, and comes with half the cache, no NX, and no 64-bit for later. They do seem to overclock a little better than the 2800 though, and if you can find the Sempron in a more attractive cheap combo or something than you can a 2800, consider that too.