Hi guys, i had a computer crash, and now it is time for an upgrade. In consideration is a 64 bit system. I did a search, but I know that alot have changed in the last few weeks regarding 64 bit. Is it worth getting a 64 bit system now? A 64 bit CPU is relatively the same price as 32 bit. Also, how bad are AMD 64 as opposed to Intell P4 64? You seem to get more for AMD and someone in a computer store told me that P4 64 are having problems. If anyone has experience with this issue or an opinion I would love to hear it. Cheers, Mil

I just purchased a new computer this past weekend and I went with P4 32 - No matter who I talked to - it seemed the common denominator was it'll be great once they get the kinks worked out - I didn't want to take the chance - I deinfitely didn't want to invest in a headache ;-) As far as Intel v. AMD - I have a friend who swears by them but having had both I will only buy Intel. Twice I had computers with AMD and both times they were the worst pieces of crap I've ever had. Nothing but problems right outta the box. Of course this is only my experience and opinion Hope this helped a little :-) Angel1

Attached Link: http://www.rayshaw.im.com.au/newslettercontent.aspx?NewsletterKey=24

Interesting article - thanks for sharing that :-)

64 bit is not a hardware issue, not with the cpu. it's the os issue. winders doesn't have the drivers for sound, some video, networking, modems for 64 bit windows. the software companies will not fully be 64 bit until after next flavour of m$ cra$hware is released// and the full support not until after sp2, after all it's in beta testing until sp2. my neighbour has 64 bit machine and 64 bit winders, and has 25% of the devices on the system working. the video card is basic use only. so he can't use this as a game platform as intended.

Athlon64 is a very good way to go. Cheaper and faster than Intel. The current Athlon64 range has one little problem however, its memory controller cannot handle more than 2 banks of double sided RAM at 200 Mhz. If you use 4 banks, the speed will drop to 166 Mhz.

About WinXP 64 bit: no problem on my machine. nVidia chipsets and graphics cards are supported right out of the box. AC97 audio also works fine.

Linux 64 bit has been out for quite a while, and I've only heard very good reviews.

I haven't had any hardware issues, neither with AMD nor with Intel. Generally AMD is cheaper and faster than Intel.

The Intel IA64 architecture is VERY interesting. But only for heavy server applications. The Pentium 4 with 64 bit extensions is just that - 64 bit slapped on as an extra. The Athlon64 is a native 64 bit CPU with a very good 32 bit emulator built in - good enough to beat a native 32bit Pentium 4 most of the time.

The third option of course is an Apple G5. But only if you have way too much money. Edited to add: Devices that don't work have to do with device drivers. Those are written by the companies that make the devices, not by MS. It's true that quite a few devices haven't had their drivers updated yet. And - WinXP 64 bit has been developed on AMD CPUs. Simply because the Intels weren't developed yet at the time. I expect WinXP 64 bit to run better on an AMD than on an Intel.

Message edited on: 07/05/2005 12:54

I'm an AMD person all the way. I can't remember the last computer I had that had Intel in it. Never any problems, runs fast even when I put a very heavy load on it. I'm running Athlon 64 bit right now from the 32 bit that had to be replaced and yes, there is a difference. :)