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Now the right time for 64?


woodenstool

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Is it a good idea to buy a computer with the Athlon 64 FX chip NOW? They say that current operating systems aren't exactly right for it yet, and Windows says it's coming out with an OS that does work with 64 NEXT YEAR? But does it still work for the current Windows XP? www.cyberpowersystems.com says it does, but I don't know if they are trustworthy. They say they have recognition within the PC industry, but I looked at some sources and their systems aren't listed as GREAT, much less AT ALL. So...?

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I'd wait until Longhorn comes out. Or, if you are really itching for 64-bit processing, Windows64.

 

When Windows64(due out in 2004) comes out, the processors will 1. Be 4-5Ghz(due to the 18 month rule) and 2. More software will be available where you can actually one in 64bit.

 

By the time Longhorn rolls out (2006) there will be at least 4Ghz chips. Provided we dont have any hardware limitations.

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Will the 64-bit processor be able to play older games like:

 

Jedi Academy(2003)

Half life(1998?)

Grim Fandango(1997)

Curse of Monkey Island(1995)

Sam and Max(1992)?

 

I heard that the software must be configured or something prior to commensing play...?

 

And what's Longhorn?

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Longhorn is the codename for the next Windows operating system.

 

And yes, the games need to be re-worked to benefit from the 64-bit computation. Besides, those old games should run fine on any 64-bit processor, just because of the ghz. But AFAIK, wether or not the game is 64-bit or no shouldnt matter. You'd have to worry more about OS's than processor, really.

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Originally posted by Tyrion

I'd wait until Longhorn comes out. Or, if you are really itching for 64-bit processing, Windows64.

 

When Windows64(due out in 2004) comes out, the processors will 1. Be 4-5Ghz(due to the 18 month rule) and 2. More software will be available where you can actually one in 64bit.

 

By the time Longhorn rolls out (2006) there will be at least 4Ghz chips. Provided we dont have any hardware limitations.

 

ehhh, we're reaching those hardware limitations now... But we're also developing new types or processors (diamond trasistors, optical, hell even quantum)

 

There may be a lull in processor advancement for a few years, but then once advanced processors hit the shelves, there should be a significant boom...

 

I dunno if we'll be able to hit 4-5 ghz by technical definitions. Maybe through tricky ways (64-bit, hyperthreading, etc), but I could be wrong, I havn't done a lot of reading on that...

 

But yes, as far as the 64-bit processors go, wood, WAIT. The only people would ought to be buying them right now are businesses... Most commericial level consumers don't have a 64 bit operating system, rendering the processor useless right there... On top of that, Intel should be coming out with their own line of 64bit processors which may be better than the AMD ones...

 

Just wait a bit longer, otherwise you'll probably find yourself regretting you didn't. But take the money that you have now and just stash it away and save it for that time.

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Yeah. Although I'd still wait on upgrading at all. Personally, if you have a 2ghz machine(2.4 if Pentium), you can wait until the new OS's and such come out.

 

After all, the engines that will be used the most for the next few years(DoomIII and Half-life2) can be easily used with 2ghz.

 

'course, you should post your specs. If you have a below 1ghz processor, then you should definitely upgrade.

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Originally posted by woodenstool

i have a 850Mhz, NVIDIA RIVA TNT2/TNT PRO, 512 SDRAM (upgraded), and I think that's all the important stuff. I was able to play JK2 on it alright, with lowest everything.

 

Upgrade. No doubt about it.

 

used to have a 500mhz, 128 mb ram, a RIVA TNT, and a 20 gig HDD.

 

We sold it about a year ago and got ourselves a computer with 3 GHz (with HyperThreading), 512 mb ram, ATI Radeon 9700 pro, and a 200 gig HDD. It made SOOOOOO much of a difference, like you wont believe.

 

Best thing to do is buy a new computer, or like Ty said, wait for a year or 2, to see what OS's will come out. :)

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Avoid 64 bit chips for the time being. Without programs, let alone an OS specifically compiled for a 64 bit processor it will only be a waste of your hard earned.

 

I think the Athlon 64's do a better job of emulating/being able to do 32 bit processing than the Itanium, which is a new architecture which tries to steer clear of any 32 bit hangovers.

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