diroga

how does the 64 bit processor work out with softwear? do i have to get a 64 bit OS for it? can i treat it as baiscaly a 32 bit processor? I'm just confused about it because its 64 bit and some people are saying it's not worth it because nothing would work on it yet.

Praetor

1. No you dont have to get a 64bit OS for it. You can use it as 32bit processor perfectly fine and for the most part, there isnt a real reason for most people to shift to the 64bit environment quite yet

2. Yes you can treat it as a 32bit computer. This goes for both AMD's K8 based processors as well as Intel's 6xx and 8xx series

3. If you're going the AMD route, got for an Athlon64 if your budget supports it. For intel processors, you might as well get a 6xx series (64bit) over a 5xx series (32bit only) if the price delta isnt too high (which it isnt)

4. There is software out for 64bit environments and stuff but generally its limited to "work" stuff (i.e., statistical/math software, engineering software, video editing software, etc). There are some games that work in 64bit environments (and are better in 64bit environment than 32bit but arguably not worth the hassle) but for the most part gaming occurs in the 32bit world still

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mgoldb2

To run in 64 bits you would need 64 bit operating system but yes you can treat it as a 32 bit processor. It will work 100% fine in a 32 bit operating system in 32 bit. It just gives you the option to upgrade to 64 bit some time down the road.

I and many people have a 64 bit processor working great with a 32 bit operating system.

EDIT: Look like praetor beat me to the answer.

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diroga

normal programs like word, excel and programs from download.com would work fine on an Athon64(complete back copatablity I guess you could put it)?

what if i wanted to run windows 95 in 16 bit mode?

is there Linux suport for 64 bit CPU's?

Praetor

1. Normal programs like Word and Excel and stuff wont notice a difference on a 64bit chip in 32bit mode and i highly doubt any would have problems in a 64bit OS in 64bit mode (ive never had a problem but theres zillions of programs out there and bound to be a bad programmer somewhere )

2. If you want to run Windows95 in 16bit mode then you've got other problems already But yes you could

3. Yes Linux does support 64bit procs

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