ian_sadler

I'm looking at building myself a new PC. It's gonna be damn fast

But I was thinking as the G5 or 6(?) MAC is working 64 bit is it software related or is there a hardware need as well?

Will a new motherboard bit 64 bit OK?
Will the P4 E be OK?

Your thoughts please.

molko

For a 64bit machine you will need a 64bit processor and 64bit compatible motherboard.

ian_sadler

Does a P4 count?

angrynorth

Its 64 bit hardware you need like a AMD 64 processor I don't know, one of the PC bods will answer soon I'm sure.

Of course in my opinion, if you want a proper 64 bit machine, then you should get a nice G5



Much better, less hassle

GaryK

angry,

that sure looks the doggies and I bet you dont have occassional problems running garageband like I do on my poor little 867Mhz G4 powerbook!

Gary

angrynorth

I used to have a bit of trouble with GB it is a real RAM *****. When the G5 had the standard RAM it was a bit jittery, now with an extra gig of ram it flies.

I could always forgive GB for its sluggishness though, its such a good programme. Can't wait till it hits version two, it will be amazing.

ian_sadler

angrynorth

Sorry








Still, get a mac instead

GaryK

eeks, yes sorry about that Ian

Anyway about garageband...

ian_sadler

Somebody tell me more about the likley arrival of 64 bit pc's n stuff pls.

ChrisB

If you want a PC, as opposed to a Mac, then your only choice at the moment is the Athlon 64 or AthlonFX. Ignore the FX as it's damn quick but horribly expensive.

Athlon 64s start around £105 for the 2800 CPU. Watch what you buy - some 64s have 512kb cache, others have 1Mb. 512ks are cheaper but slightly slower.

There's some revised chipsets and motherboards coming out about now. AMD have introduced a new socket size called the 939. Existing CPUs use a Socket 754. For a motherboard, try to find one using the NForce 3-250GB or VIA KT800Pro. Socket 939 will get more popular over the rest of this year but don't expect to find it in shops to buy right now.

Windows XP 64 bit is still some distance off but normal XP will install (and be damn fast).

lightning101

Use Linux or

This from Microsoft:

Windows XP 64-Bit Edition is designed to address the most demanding needs of technical workstation users who require large amounts of memory and floating point performance in areas such as mechanical design and analysis, digital content creation and scientific and high-performance computing applications.
System Requirements:

• PC with an AMD Athlon64 or Opteron processor
• 256MB RAM
• 1.5GB available hard-disk space
• Super VGA (800x600) or higher resolution video card
• CD-ROM or DVD drive
• Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

Important: Windows XP 64-Bit Edition for 64-Bit Extended Systems is only compatible with 64-bit AMD Opteron– or Athlon 64-based computers. It cannot be successfully installed on 64-bit Intel Itanium–based systems.

lightning101

Forgot the link


http://www.x86-64.org/


Gives you all 64 bit software o/s and programs/apps.

gregh

socket 939 and other 64 bit reviews here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/

ian_sadler

Here we go agian

Do I go for a P4 EE and stay in the 32 but arena or wait (six months?) for some 64 bit kit?

Damn


Thanks for your input guys

ChrisB

You're seriously thinking of blowing £600+ on a P4 EE?

Athlon 6400 3400 (1MB) is sub £300 inc vat. Athlon 64 3200 1MB is under £200 inc too.

ian_sadler

Yep I know it seems a lot but I've been down the AMD & Athlon route before and always felt I'd lost out on some Intel benefits.

Like I said at the top it's going to be quick hense the q in here about the 64 stuff cos I don't want to spend all that dosh and get a load of new stuff hitting the market 3 months later

Your continuing help is appreciated.

stevem2k

you want one of these ..... well it says "entry level" .....

Nick

Ian, there's ALWAYS new stuff hitting the market in 3 months time!

Unless you've got money to burn, I'd go for a Canterwood board (EE capable) & a Northwood 3.2HT processor. The prices on these are pretty reasonable now. With some good cooling & a good case, you can overclock this to 3.4gHz without missing a step.

Even once XP 64bit is available, you still need to wait for application software .. & then wait some more for it to be stable!

I'd go 64bit next year some time.

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