Prologue:
I've had the same PC for several years, and it's getting to the point
where I'm soon going to replace it. A Pentium 1.1 with 256Mb RAM, a GForce2
MX-440, and a 6Gb hard drive just doesn't cut it anymore. So I've started
saving up the money, and in the meantime, I'm trying to decide on just what
I want.
The main things I use my PC for are games and photo editing. I've done a
bit of video editing (with Ulead VStudio 5) but this machine just isn't
built to handle large video files. I want my new system to be able to
perform all three tasks with ease.
I'll be putting the system together myself; the hard part though, is
deciding just what to build! There are so many options. So over the next few
weeks, I'm going to make posts regarding different aspects the new system I
hope to build. I want to make the most informed decisions possible, so I
won't have any regrets later.
In this first post, I want to get right down to the heart of the system:
the CPU. I'm leaning towards an AMD, based on their performance and better
value, but I'm completely hung up on what one to get. The new 64-bit CPU's
look very appealing (albeit the high price), but I have several questions
I'd first like answered:
1. First and foremost, how do they handle older 32-bit programs? If
backwards compatibility is an problem, I will immediately scrap the idea of
a 64-bit system.
2. How reliable are the CPU's in the long-term?
3. What's the difference between the regular Athlon 64's and the
(ultra-expensive) FX-51/53?
4. What difference is there between a 1600 and 2000Mhz FSB?
5. How much difference does the cache size make?

Forgive me for asking so many questions, I've worked with computers for
many years but I just can't keep up with all the changes.
Thanks for any advice you guys can offer.

Chris F. wrote:


> 1. First and foremost, how do they handle older 32-bit programs? If
> backwards compatibility is an problem, I will immediately scrap the idea of
> a 64-bit system.


AMD 64's are Native 64bit processor with 32bit extensions there are
absouloutly NO backwards compatability problems.

> 2. How reliable are the CPU's in the long-term?
How reliable is any CPU ? I replace essential components on a monthly
basis. its the only way to stay up to date .. the technologys moving so
fast these days. but the possessor will be around for a few years.

> 3. What's the difference between the regular Athlon 64's and the
> (ultra-expensive) FX-51/53?

Main difference is the bigger L2 Cache and the slightly higher clock
speed of the fx

> 4. What difference is there between a 1600 and 2000Mhz FSB?
as far as I know the highest bus speed for a AMD64 cpu is 800Mhz.

> 5. How much difference does the cache size make?

BIG difference the cache is ultra fast memory built onto the CPU It acts
like a buffer for holding information thats about to be processed.
>
> Forgive me for asking so many questions, I've worked with computers for
> many years but I just can't keep up with all the changes.
> Thanks for any advice you guys can offer.
>
>

Other benefits of the 64`s:

On chip memory protection (they like to call it (Enhanced Virus
Protection - Only works with WinXP SP2)

They May run at a slower Clock speed but they process more per clock
cycle making them a more efficient processor. (and slightly cooler)

Wait a few months and get the new 64 bit processor it will have a new
core with the Intel hyper threading support (so here will be no
downsides to the AMD at all)

Im just about to purchase a new motherboard and processor I dont quite
have the funds for a AMD64-FX but I am going to go for a AMD 64 3400+
Socket 939.

Chris F. wrote:


> 1. First and foremost, how do they handle older 32-bit programs? If
> backwards compatibility is an problem, I will immediately scrap the idea of
> a 64-bit system.


AMD 64's are Native 64bit processor with 32bit extensions there are
absouloutly NO backwards compatability problems.

> 2. How reliable are the CPU's in the long-term?
How reliable is any CPU ? I replace essential components on a monthly
basis. its the only way to stay up to date .. the technologys moving so
fast these days. but the possessor will be around for a few years.

> 3. What's the difference between the regular Athlon 64's and the
> (ultra-expensive) FX-51/53?

Main difference is the bigger L2 Cache and the slightly higher clock
speed of the fx

> 4. What difference is there between a 1600 and 2000Mhz FSB?
as far as I know the highest bus speed for a AMD64 cpu is 800Mhz.

> 5. How much difference does the cache size make?

BIG difference the cache is ultra fast memory built onto the CPU It acts
like a buffer for holding information thats about to be processed.
>
> Forgive me for asking so many questions, I've worked with computers for
> many years but I just can't keep up with all the changes.
> Thanks for any advice you guys can offer.
>
>

Other benefits of the 64`s:

On chip memory protection (they like to call it (Enhanced Virus
Protection - Only works with WinXP SP2)

They May run at a slower Clock speed but they process more per clock
cycle making them a more efficient processor. (and slightly cooler)

Wait a few months and get the new 64 bit processor it will have a new
core with the Intel hyper threading support (so here will be no
downsides to the AMD at all)

Im just about to purchase a new motherboard and processor I dont quite
have the funds for a AMD64-FX but I am going to go for a AMD 64 3400+
Socket 939.

Chris F. wrote:


> 1. First and foremost, how do they handle older 32-bit programs? If
> backwards compatibility is an problem, I will immediately scrap the idea of
> a 64-bit system.


AMD 64's are Native 64bit processor with 32bit extensions there are
absouloutly NO backwards compatability problems.

> 2. How reliable are the CPU's in the long-term?
How reliable is any CPU ? I replace essential components on a monthly
basis. its the only way to stay up to date .. the technologys moving so
fast these days. but the possessor will be around for a few years.

> 3. What's the difference between the regular Athlon 64's and the
> (ultra-expensive) FX-51/53?

Main difference is the bigger L2 Cache and the slightly higher clock
speed of the fx

> 4. What difference is there between a 1600 and 2000Mhz FSB?
as far as I know the highest bus speed for a AMD64 cpu is 800Mhz.

> 5. How much difference does the cache size make?

BIG difference the cache is ultra fast memory built onto the CPU It acts
like a buffer for holding information thats about to be processed.
>
> Forgive me for asking so many questions, I've worked with computers for
> many years but I just can't keep up with all the changes.
> Thanks for any advice you guys can offer.
>
>

Other benefits of the 64`s:

On chip memory protection (they like to call it (Enhanced Virus
Protection - Only works with WinXP SP2)

They May run at a slower Clock speed but they process more per clock
cycle making them a more efficient processor. (and slightly cooler)

Wait a few months and get the new 64 bit processor it will have a new
core with the Intel hyper threading support (so here will be no
downsides to the AMD at all)

Im just about to purchase a new motherboard and processor I dont quite
have the funds for a AMD64-FX but I am going to go for a AMD 64 3400+
Socket 939.