September: Move to 64-Bit CPU Technology?

Post by **Neophyte** » Tue Jul 15, 2003 3:58 pm

Apple computers has released the 64 Bit Dual CPU G5 processor. And claims it's the "World's fastest" dual 2 Gig processor. (As compared to single Intel 3.06 Ghz Pentium 4 and Dual 3.06 Ghz Xeon CPU's.)

AMD will have their 64-Bit CPU (Opteron/Athlon 64) ready for September.

Intel sits. I'm trying to find a roadmap that shows Intel with a 64-Bit mainstream offering. But their current direction only shows Itanium being succeeded by faster server based chips. And it appears that the Pentium 4 will go on for ever as the mainstream CPU. Hrmph!

Microsoft has all ready released the Windows XP 64 Bit Edition to manufactures.

So, how do you feel about leaping into the 64-Bit CPU market?

hollywood · Post by **hollywood** » Tue Jul 15, 2003 4:00 pm

what the hell is 64 bit?

Post by **Neophyte** » Tue Jul 15, 2003 4:19 pm

It's the size of data that enters the CPU at one time. It's like moving from a spoon (32-bit) to a shovel (64 bit). It's similar to getting information from very small words, "See Spot Run!", as compared to getting the information in fancier, more robust words, "Witness Spot Skedaddle!"

Some argue that 32-bit code is the ideal size because it's smaller, can execute faster, and has enough precision. And they might also feel that 64-bit is just a marketing ploy to sell more hardware.

Others argue that the 64-bit code is the way of the future because we will need more memory, more robust multimedia, and greater precision. These people feel that the servers have had this precision since the 90's, and it's about damn time the workstation gets some number crunching skills.

Post by **KrAzYdAvE** » Tue Jul 15, 2003 4:46 pm

Intel is supposed to be realeasing a "Prescott" core chip q4-2003 which some think may be called the Pentium 5, it isn't 64bit though.
Yet there are rumors of Intel working on a 64bit processor codenamed "Yamhill".

Post by **Neophyte** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 9:38 am

Prescott, P5?! I thought the Pentium 4 design could go up around 8 to 10 Ghz. And then a new design would be needed.

Yamhill?! Hmmm, maybe that's the mainstream 64-CPU that will go against the Opteron CPU? It wouldb e interesting to see AMD capture the lead in the 64-bit market. (if there is any market to be caught.)

Blade · Post by **Blade** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 1:06 pm

I think that's the main issue, if there is any market to be caught, if AMD has guessed correctly and there is a boom of excitement for these new chips, they will have at least a year before Intel comes out with them (assuming they speed up dev projects). But would that be enough to knock Intel all around, I dont think so. On the other hand should this project flop it proves yet another victory for Intel and will most likely secure them in the future when more things need higher processing values. Anyways... if people say its good, I'll take it.

Post by BD » Wed Jul 16, 2003 7:09 pm

you mean Intel?

Blade · Post by **Blade** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 7:51 pm

Huh?

Post by **Neophyte** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 11:36 pm

Hollywood, here's an article that will give you the full scoop on the 64-bit CPU thing:

http://arstechnica.com/cpu/03q1/x86-64/x86-64-1.html

It's an interesting read for anyone who's mildly curious about what and why 64-bit computing is being considered.

Post by **Dataspel** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 11:47 pm

It used to be CPU capacity vs bloated applications.
But now it is all about bandwidth. It does not matter how
fast your pc is internally, if it is being choked by cable
or dsl bandwidth. IMHO, ipv6 and internet2 are the
real waves of the future.

PS: Neo, I will set up smtp auth as soon as I get back
from vacation, about 5 days. Til then hopefully the email
server will continue running.

Campquake Senate

September: Move to 64-Bit CPU Technology?

Will you be ready for a 64-Bit CPU in September?

September: Move to 64-Bit CPU Technology?

its not about address width, its about BANDwidth