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The
world of computing is reaching a new era. While it
was expected to come sooner or later, the future of
work, rest and play sitting in front of a screen is
upon us.
Start to say goodbye to your 32-bit world, we are
going 64-bit baby!
Introduction
The battle between the major CPU rivals
has been an interesting one. AMD first to show off
the true power of 1000Mhz then Intel moving on up
with their high Mhz beating anything out there by
numbers but not always by performance. Now though,
the revolution of computing as we know it has finally
reached its new day. Be prepared to experience a power
that you have never experienced before! Its
the PC being launched all over again -it really is
that exciting!
Is there a need to go 64-bit?
The average Joe understands that a higher
number of bits means better performance. Take Consoles
for a typical example; the companies brag at their
8/16/32/64/128 bit products available saying they
can do so much more for your games compared to their
older counterparts - but why? Surely a faster graphics
chip and faster data transfers are all that is needed
to improve systems? While that could be the case to
give you amazing looking images, it would only help
so far and not put you in the realistic world. Handling
a higher number of bits can supply more than just
a few more FPS on screen, it fundamentally alters
how data is handled internally and, more importantly,
how efficiently it can be moved around. By nature
of the 64 bit daya paths you are looking at a more
intelligent processor which, for example, can calculate
far more quickly how an object would really be effected
if it was shot by a pistol. You wouldnt have to have
a programmed, static blast indent in a wall waiting
to be hit in the right spot to give the effect. The
processor would work out the angle, the distance and
how much damage an item would realistically take taking
real-time effects and physics to another plateau
64-bit will revolutionise the way we experience games
as a whole. The majority of games supply static visual
effects which are programmed as is. While it may look
fairly realistic at the time, it isnt realistic. 64-bit
breaks through the wall of static programabilty and
opens the world of dynamic programming. Imagine the
famous drinks advert with the polar bears working
in real time on your home machine, watching the fur
interact with the surrounding environment like small
gusts of winds - this is only the start of the dynamic
world you will start to experience. 64-bit is the
home of virtual worlds with visually stunning graphics,
advanced AI and realistic simulation.
"With AMD64
on our development servers as well as users' desktops,
gamers will be able to literally count the beads of
sweat on the foreheads of their opponents. 64-bit
computing simply means a level of realism that, until
now, has existed only in the real world."
-Tim Sweeney, founder and president
of Epic Games, maker of the popular Unreal Tornament
OK gaming aside for a bit, what more
is on offer from going 64-bit? Are you a digital enthusiast?
Either an amatuer video editor or a music editor wanting
more power to give that Hollywood style or you could
maybe be a professional who wants as much power to
get your job done quicker? With 64-bit in your hands,
you will be able to edit video and photos faster than
real-time, create virtual worlds and designs, design
electronics/software/structures all from the comfort
of your home without having to journey into work for
their Super Computers....afterall, you now have one
under your desk!
"Over the
past few years, Microsoft has enhanced end-user experiences
by adding technological features that extend the life
of the 32-bit system. We need to migrate to 64-bit
computing to continue adding new functionality that
will attract a new market of users to our solutions.
The 64-bit capabilities of the next generation of
PC processors will create entirely new opportunities
for users of Microsoft technology to enjoy outstanding
performance and productivity in their offices, their
homes, and on the road."
- Brian Valentine, senior vice
president of the Windows Division at Microsoft
Compatability
Going from one platform to another is
a daunting task, especially if you are in a business.
While new technology is a must for the enthusiast
and for businesses to keep up with the world, it can
be an expensive process to buy your shiny new hardware,
setting it all up then wondering where you are going
to get the extra cash for 64-bit software to see the
system in action!!
You want to be able to migrate your systems with ease,
hassle free and as cheap as possible. You expect the
transfer from 32-bit processing to 64-bit processing
to mean software upgrades to even get it to work -
not with the Athlon 64.
AMD have taken this problem which could hold back
everyone from upgrading, causing a dent in development
into consideration. Everyone from 32-bit environments
like Windows 2000/XP all the way to even 16-bit applications
running via DOS will work on the Athlon 64 in one
single platform! This is all down to the Instruction
sets being the same accross the board.
AMD are aiming the 64-bit processors
at the gaming and prosumer market (advanced hobbyists
who demand professional features and functionality
in hardware and software).
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