Question:
64bit vs. Multi Thread
Ok, I know that multi-thread (ie dual core) means being able to run 2 programs (virus scan & anything else) without the CPU breaking a sweat. or sometimes a video/photo editing program is optimized for multi-threaded processors.
but what about 64 bit (AMD). What does this mean/lead to? I havent quite found that out yet.
and what would you guys think is more future proof, stickly speaking..a 64 bit processor or a dual core?
thanks for the input
gino
Answer:
Re: 64bit vs. Multi Thread
I'd say dual core as most software is not optimized for 64 bit unless you are planning on running linux.
Answer:
Re: 64bit vs. Multi Thread
Theoretically, a 64-bit processor can address exabytes (billions of billions of bytes) of RAM while 32-bit can use a maximum of 8GB of RAM. The other advantage of 64-bit is its ability to compute floating point operations faster than the 32-bit. Unless you are going to compute PI to the smallest decimal possible, i'd say go for Dual Core. However, if you can wait a bit, i'd say got for Merom which will be both 64-bit and multi core :)
Answer:
Re: 64bit vs. Multi Thread
Theoretically, a 64-bit processor can address exabytes (billions of billions of bytes) of RAM while 32-bit can use a maximum of 8GB of RAM. The other advantage of 64-bit is its ability to compute floating point operations faster than the 32-bit. Unless you are going to compute PI to the smallest decimal possible, i'd say go for Dual Core. However, if you can wait a bit, i'd say got for Merom which will be both 64-bit and multi core :)
Or better yet, AMD's new dual-core Turion CPU slated to come out near the middle of this year. In addition the new Turion duo is supposed to have an advantage over its Intel counterparts due to its HyperTransport technology.
Answer:
Re: 64bit vs. Multi Thread
In all honesty, neither dual cores nor 64 bits variants are mainstream right now. Software support is just not there for any of them. True, dual core people will tell you that right now you can run two separate programs at the same time with core duos, but I don't find myself running a virus scan, burning a dvd and playing Age of Empires III at the same time all that often. I do find myself listening to music, downloading something in azureus and surfing the net at the same time, and my processor is still under 30% load.
Answer:
Re: 64bit vs. Multi Thread
oh..thanks for the info guys. not that i would be able to use either processor to its full potential for extended periods, but i just wanted to know. my bang for buck ration increased when my friend told me he could get me laptops cheaper.
i dont see myself using more than 8 gigs of ram, neither doing intensive floating point operations. I probably wont be using 2 cores at the same time either.
unfortunately, I cant wait for the new technologies from either AMD or Intel. I need a laptop really soon. so once again, the bang for the buck and options/accesories plays up.
Answer:
Re: 64bit vs. Multi Thread
I agree that 64bit/Dual Core is not mainstream [well, at least 64-bit software/OS isn't].
If you need a laptop now, you won't have any power shortages. ;)
I'd recommend getting a notebook with an AMD Turion 64, that is about as 'future-proof' as you can get.
In my experience, the Turion is a much better multitasker than the Pentium M. I have had both.
Answer:
Re: 64bit vs. Multi Thread
To the question "what is more future proof?" 64-bit is the answer.
To the question "what I am more likely to use in the next 2 years?" Dual Core is the answer.
Both Dual Core and 64 bit are here to stay.
Programs written for 64-bit will not run on 32-bit processor, while (as far as I understand) programs written to take advantage of dual core, still run on single core. In this sense 64-bit is more future proof.
On the other hand, Dual Core will give its benefits to you from day one, while 64-bits will give its benefits to you only if and when you will buy 64-bits software
Answer:
Re: 64bit vs. Multi Thread
what you all say is true.
64 bits is great, but I dont see myself or most of the general public running anything needing 64 bit.
on the other hand, most people wouldnt even use both cores of a dual core system at the same time.
additionally there isnt much software that directly supports either of these types of CPU...at least i can't think of any I would use often. 2 years down the road would be different.
i think the visual appearance and features is gonna make the decision here for me...i'll probably end up selling the laptop after a year or 2 anyway.
if only i could wait until TurionX2 or Memron...altho i for some reason would prefer an AMD.