Windows XP /Athlon 64 Question
 

I'm in the process of buying/building my new pc and I want to play games with it. I want o get a Athlon64 so it will last at least 5 years like my current desktop (I have a newer laptop though).
The only thing I wasn't sure of is:
Will I have any problems loading XP on a 64 bit proc?

Not really. They are compatible, but you won't be able to harness all of the power available with a 32-bit version of XP. You will still see better performance, but once Microsoft releases a 64-bit version of XP that is retail, you will see a gain in performance compared to what you had before hand. It may not be a big change, but it should be noticeable.

i use 32 bit xp with my 64 bit proc, remember if you have a 64 bit os, you have to emulate for all the 32 bit programs you still use. i dont think 64 bit is the way to go yet, stick with 32 bit xp until a full 64 bit os is availible

I'd agree with Dilbert, from a cost standpoint if nothing else.

The 64's make great bragging rights, but given the relevant dependent technologies unless you're spending thousands of bucks to fully implement the 64 bit architechture that's about all you're getting with it.

You just missed the preview 64-bit version of XP. They aren't allowing downloads or sending CD's anymore but you might bump into someone who already downloaded it.

As for your current 32-bit XP, yes, it'll run in 32-bit mode, but faster. The performance differences most people notice (besides possible clock rate) come from instruction efficiency, larger cache, and an improved memory interface. For no other reason go with a socket 939. The 754's have a single-channel memory controller vs. the 939's dual. Anyway, desktop socket 754 is nearing end-of-life.

Everyone always says that Athlon 64's are a bad idea right now because nothing utilizes the 64-bit interface. Those people are usually forgetting a factor of the Athlon 64 series: THEY'RE FREAKIN POWERFUL! Who cares about the 64-bit interface? These processors are EXTREMELY fast. 64-bit or no 64-bit, they simply push out more power than you can imagine on a 32-bit system. They may not take advantage of 64-bit computing yet but that's not the point...the point is, they're still faster than anything on the market due to cache sizes and a huge increase in the memory bus. Not to mention you said you were gonna play games...these things could be described as processors MADE for gaming, literally. Athlon 64 is the way to go concerning processors and gaming right now. And no, you won't have any problems running any type of 32-bit programs. Make sure to buy a Socket 939 like Cyrnel said...754 was basically a testing ground/cheap implementation for the 64-bit series. They're fast, but the 754's don't have much life left in them socket-wise.

-Lasereth

It's the same old-guy doomsday talk that comes with the advent of any new technology. Often originating with a competing platform that just moved to the back of the leapfrog game, or with makers of add-on products that will require big changes, the message is mimicked ad nauseum by the press and generations of their audience.

For processors the "wait for me" message has been popular since we moved from 8 to 16bit, and I don't doubt a few pre-PC white-shirts whined about the waste of moving from 4 to 8bit. While it's true the bleeding edge (first ~6mo-1yr) of a transition provides marginal benefits vs. cost, the 2nd and 3rd generation AMD64's are well into a comfortable stride. To the parrots I say, (with the gusto of 3 Widmer pints) "Stop listening to 6mo old reviews. Start making decisions based on actual system needs and price/performance curves. Punt the religion!"

I believe you meant "...more powerful than you can possibly imagine." :)

-anoldguy

Windows XP 64 bit edition has gone gold so it won't be long now till it can be bought in retail(well a month or two).