The term 64-bit is becoming more predominant in the topic of consumer PCs these
days. The crystal ball of what 64-bit hardware can do and what 64-bit software
will be like is hazy. Some talk of new and exciting promises while others debate
how 64-bit hardware and software will affect the consumer PC market and it it’s
any use at all.
The battle between AMD and INTEL has a new front. It isn’t a war over
a 64-bit processor but making a 64-bit desktop affordable to the everyday consumer.
AMD has led the charge with the Opteron and Athlon64 processor. Intel has been
slow to respond but is set to enter the fight in the third quarter of 2004.
Coming to grips with “64-bit and you” is a challenge for the average
PC user. Most people use a pc but they don’t understand it. This is a
layman’s guide to 64-bit. It doesn’t get mired in the technical
double-speak. It won’t finish the 64-bit debate one way or the other.
Most certainly there will be some broad strokes. This is the middle ground between
“I don’t know” and “That’s too much.”
What is a bit?
A bit is short for binary digit which is the smallest unit of information that
can be used by a computer. A single bit can only hold one of two values; 0 or
1. Bits are the building blocks of software.
What is 64-bit?
In the most simple of terms 64-bit, when applied to a processor, is the number
of bits that a processor’s general purpose register can hold at any one
given time. 64-bit software is an application written to utilize the larger
GPR.
What is a General Purpose Register?
A General Purpose Register is a device that accepts and stores data temporarily.
It is not to be confused with a hard drive. Technological advances in General
Purpose Registers increased their ability to hold more data. These advances
were made in 8-bit “chunks” of data as with a processor that had
an 8-bit register then a 16-bit register, then a 32-bit register and now a 64-bit
register.
What is the difference between 16, 32 and 64-bit data?
A computer uses bits of data to represent numbers, letters or symbols. Personal
computers began storing this information in 8-bit code; a series of on/off switches.
The pattern of which switch was “on” (1) and which switch was “off”
(0) translated to a number, letter or symbol. For example the letter “A”
would be represented as 01000001. In a way it’s like Morse code for the
computer.
Pretty soon some clever person figured out how to make the general purpose
registers, amongst other hardware on the processor, handle more data at a given
time. With 16 bit code the character set of AB could be stored and would look
like this:
01000001 01000010
With 32-bit code the character set of ABCD can be stored and would look like
this:
01000001 01000010 01000011 01000100
With 64-bit code the character set of ABCDEFGH can be stored and would look
like this:
01000001 01000010 01000011 01000100 01000101 01000110 01000111 01001000
Why is more, simultaneously better?
Think of it like moving a pile of rocks from one area to another. Each rock
represents 8 bits of data. With an 8-bit processor you can move only one rock
at a time. With a 16-bit processor you can move two rocks at a time. With a
32-bit processor you can move 4 rocks at a time and with a 64-bit processor
you can move 8 rocks at a time. Notice how with each jump from 8 to 16 to 32
to 64 the amount of rocks doubled just like the number of bits did in the previous
binary code example.
A 64-bit processor can work with “chunks” of data that contain
twice as many bits as a 32-bit processor.
So is 64-bit twice as fast as 32-bit?
From the previous examples it’s very easy to jump to the conclusion that
64-bit may be twice as fast as 32-bit but it’s not true when thought of
in speed terms. It’s probably more accurate to say that a 64-bit processor
can do twice as much work as a 32-bit processor. Remember that 64-bit hardware
and software is relatively new to the consumer desktop. Much of the software
that is presently used hasn’t been converted to 64-bit code, debugged
and optimized. The answer is…it will be faster but expect some debate
during transition. It’s still too early to formulate a definitive answer.
WindowsXP 64-bit Edition does allow for 32-bit software to operate within the
64-bit but, sometimes, at a considerable cost of speed.
Is a 64-bit processor new technology?
No. 64-bit processors have been around since the mid-90’s and a 64-bit
computer cost tens of thousands of dollars and was really only affordable for
use by industry. In 2003 AMD introduced the Opteron (server) and Athlon64 (desktop)
which made a 64-bit processor affordable to the mass marketplace. Intel is set
to launch their 64-bit processors in the third quarter of 2004.
Will a 64-bit processor make everything faster?
No. A 64-bit environment isn’t “faster”. Many make the mistake
of thinking a 64-bit processor will speed up application performance. The 32-bit
to 64-bit is a step in technology but not necessarily speed. The overall advancements
in PC hardware and software technology are what make computers faster.
So why go 64-bit?
The immediate benefit of a 64-bit environment is the ability to go access the
overall amount of system RAM. A processor, be it 32-bit or 64-bit, works with
system RAM at a greater speed and bandwidth than any other major component in
a PC. If the application requires access to a large database then more of that
database can be loaded into system memory thus faster access and computations.
It is not 64-bits that makes the software faster but the fact that a 64-bit
environment can go beyond the 32-bit ceiling of 4GB of memory and make more
system RAM is available for data. That is a benefit that can be immediately
implemented.
In the next few years the desktop you are used to may transform into a glossier
look with a lot more eye candy. Windows Longhorn may be far more visually intense
than its predecessors. This too is not because of 64-bit technology but the
simple fact that we are migrating away from systems with older, slower PCs to
newer PCs that have the ability to hold more data and do more CPU and GPU intensive
work.
(The following is taken directly from www.amd.com)
A large number of applications and usage scenarios are likely to benefit from
an AMD64 environment over a legacy x86 or proprietary 64-bit environment. Applications
that do not benefit do not need to be ported, and will run at full performance
in an AMD64 environment. AMD64 is most likely to benefit applications that:
- Need large memory addressing, such as those with large datasets (financial
and scientific modeling applications) and host-based desktop applications
(to run multiple instances simultaneously without reducing performance). - Must manage a large number of concurrent users or application threads, such
as large scale thin-client solutions, large databases and data warehouse applications
for solutions in customer relationship management (CRM), supply chain management
(SCM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and digital rights management (DRM)
systems. - Provide digital content creation capabilities in such applications as computer-aided
design, manufacturing, and engineering (CAD, CAM, and CAE), digital music
production and video editing, and real-time media streaming solutions. - Require mathematical precision and floating-point performance including
modeling, simulation, statistics and financial analysis, imaging/video/signal
processing, physics, medical research, telecommunications, encryption, and
compression. - Require large, high-performance database performance including decision
support, searching and indexing, document and content management, and voice
recognition.
Basically the 64-bit environment will benefit the professional level first.
What is in the PC now?
Be it AMD or INTEL it’s a given that a 32-bit processor drives the desktop
computer for the majority of the world not living on the “bleeding edge
of technology”.
Why is 64-bit technology important?
The need for 64-bit technology is driven by applications that require high
performance and address large amounts of physical and virtual memory. 32-bit
computers can manage only 4 gigabytes of addressable memory – and 32-bit
operating systems can address only about 2 GB. AMD’s evolutionary approach
to 64-bit technology enables a gradual transition from 32-bit to 64-bit software
and hardware for end users who need greater computing functionality for some
or all of their applications. AMD64 is designed to provide superior performance
for applications requiring multi-processor scalability, larger addressable memory,
video/audio/3-D processing, or high computational accuracy.
(Taken directly from www.amd.com)
Is there a 64-bit processor?
Yes there are. AMD has several 64-bit models readily available to the desktop
consumer. Intel does not have a true 64-bit processor available for desktop
but is expected to release a 64-bit processor by Q3 of 2004.
Is the 64-bt processor new?
No. 64-bit processors have been around for nearly a decade but largely unaffordable
to the general pubic. AMD have been first into the marketplace with a 64-bit
processor that is backwards compatible. This means that the processor can operate
within a 32-bit environment or a 64-bit environment but not both simultaneously.
This backwards compatibility allows consumers to continue to use current 32-bit
operating systems, such as Windows XP, and current 32-bit applications and games
without a need to upgrade. The processor will remain in 32-bit mode when using
a 32-bit operating system and software. It will only be in 64-bit mode with
a 64-bit operating system and 32-bit software will function but initial benchmarks
show a performance hit. 64-bit driver and software development for a Windows
64-bit operating system is still in the early stages.
Do you need special hardware to support 64-bit?
The only hardware specifically needed to operate within a 64-bit environment
is the 64-bit processor and a motherboard that supports it. “Special”
RAM, hard drives, DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD-R, CDRW, floppy drives, video cards, keyboards,
mice or monitors are not required. Please note that ECC Registered DDR memory
may be required for a specific type of processor.
What is Intel’s 64-bit processor?
Intel is incorporating 64-bit extensions into the Xeon line of processors which
will allow 32-bit/32-bit “legacy mode”, a 32-bit/64-bit “compatibility
mode” and a full 64-bit/64-bit mode. These processors are targeted mainly
at server and workstation environments. It’s becoming obvious
that Intel is putting their 64-bit efforts into the server marketplace which
they have dominated in comparison to AMD. As to an Intel 64-bit processor for
the desktop there are confirmations and denials galore. There are no announcements
from Intel about a 64-bit processor for the desktop but rumors abound and one
such rumor has it that Intel may introduce 64-bit processors for the desktop
and mobile market around the time Windows Longhorn is released.
What is AMD’s 64-bit processor?
AMD’s Athlon 64 FX-53 processor is 64-bit.
AMD64 is AMD’s 64-bit platform that extends the industry-standard x86
instruction set architecture and defines a new class of computing. The AMD64
platform is the first designed to deliver full compatibility with existing x86
solutions and world-class 64-bit performance. In April 2003, the AMD Opteron™
processor for servers and workstations became the first milestone in establishing
this new class of computing. AMD introduced the world’s first and only
Windows®-compatible 64-bit desktop and mobile processor, the AMD Athlon™
64 processor, in September 2003. The range of AMD64 processors for servers,
workstations, desktops, and mobile PCs allows pervasive adoption of the AMD64
platform. AMD64 replaces terms such as “Hammer” (now “AMD64
Platform”) and “x86-64” (now “AMD64 ISA”).
(Taken directly from www.amd.com)
See the AMD
Architecture Tech Docs website and AMD64
Architecture: Programmer’s Manual Volume 1 for a complete breakdown on AMD
64-bit technology.
What is different about the AMD 64-bit processor?
There are many technological differences between AMD’s 32-bit and 64-bit
processors but none apply so much to the consumer as backward compatibility.
AMD’s 64-bit processors are backwards compatible. An AMD 64-bit processor
will run 32-bit code applications and some 16-bit code applications. What this
means is the software that is used today such as Windows, MS Word, Corel Draw,
games and so on will run just fine on an AMD 64-bit computer. There could be
difficulties with the age of software. That DOS version of Castle Wolfenstein
you bought in 1992 may present a few problems though.
The important point to remember is when using a 32-bit OS, like Windows 2000
and Windows XP, and 32-bit software the processor will stay in 32-bit mode.
It will operate just like every other computer. A 64-bit operating system will
support the 32-bit version of Office but it will remain in 32-bit mode.
How much RAM?
32-bit processors can only address (use) a maximum of 4 GB of RAM. After that
adding more RAM to a single 32-bit processor system is rather useless. 64-bit
processors have the ability to address up to 2^64 bytes of memory. In other
words 18,446,744,073,709,551,616 bytes exactly. That’s about 18 exabytes. (An
exabyte is 1,000 petabytes, a petabyte is 1,000 terabytes and a terabyte is
1,000 gigabytes.)
That’s about 18 Billion GB of ram. That’s probably a little more than the average
purchase.
Memory manufacturer Crucial
tells us “4GB is the module max right now in a standard configuration,
which stops manufacturers from producing a 10GB module, for example. You could
get an 8GB solution in a quad ranked solution (there are custom memory subsystems
this large, but they’re not “standard” memory modules).
As computing power increases, so will memory needs. Many desktops are already
using 1GB or more memory. And, of course, servers are eating up more and more
memory every year.”
What graphics cards will support AMD64?
Standard AGP graphics cards support AMD64 processors, including leading-edge
AGP 8X graphics cards. In addition, leading graphics solution providers such
as 3DLabs, ATi, Matrox and NVIDIA have announced that they will provide the
hardware drivers required for advanced 64-bit operating systems. AMD is currently
working with partners on the development of AMD64 drivers for several mainstream
operating systems from Microsoft, Red Hat, SuSE, and others. Some drivers and
operating systems are already available, and AMD and its partners regularly
announce additional details and distributions.
(Taken directly from www.amd.com)
What could a 64-bit desktop be like?
That’s a very hard question to answer. It’s the same as asking
what an automobile of the future will be. Could it fly or will it run on water
or will it be made obsolete by transporter beams?
64-bit processors for the consumer desktop change the question from “what
could be done with a 64-bit environment?” to “what will I do with
a 64-bit environment?” The question is the same whether it is asked of
an R&D person, hardware manufacturer or software designer/programmer. 64-bit
is just one ingredient in the soup that is PC technology.
Add a dash of improvement in processor speed and a heaping tablespoon of bandwidth.
Mix with 8 cups of memory.
64-bit will be one catalyst towards improvements in the PC desktop. It’s
a sliding scale. As hardware increases its ability to “do more”
then software programmer will “load more” on it. It’s like
if you have a truck to tow a boat. If you get a bigger truck…get a bigger
boat.
What will a 64-bit desktop of the future be like? It’s not clear. What
COULD a 64-bit desktop be like? Just ask the question and there will be many
answers.
Is there a 64-bit operating system?
A more accurate question would be what 64-bit operating systems are available?
There are 64-bit operating systems based on the architecture for SPARC and Intel’s
Itanium. These are targeted at server and specific workstation applications.
Most Linux distributors have announced or released AMD-64 specific distributions
along with the BSD variants. These releases accompany certain AMD-64 specific
compiled versions of Windows and most BSD distributions. For the desktop user
the most common operating system is Microsoft’s Windows and a 64-bit operating
system is in beta.
When will Microsoft release an official 64-bit OS?
There’s no firm date as of yet. Windows LONGHORN is the next major OS
due out from Microsoft supposedly late 2005 or early 2006. These dates are highly
uncertain and there’s even talk of it being pushed back into 2007 or even
2008. Longhorn remains 32-bit but there are rumblings about a 64-bit edition.
Longhorn promises dramatic changes to the Windows user interface. The new UI,
code-named Aero, is designed to exploit true 3-D capabilities and to provide
dramatically enhanced scaling, translucency, and animation. In Aero, each application
can behave as if it owns the entire display canvas, when in fact multiple canvases
can be overlapped, scaled, and warped by Longhorn’s Desktop Compositing Engine
to produce the final monitor output. This will allow the OS to perform tricks
such as handling window minimization by progressively shrinking a window to
a thumbnail with its contents shrunk but intact.
An operating system is much more than code. It’s also a matter of timing.
There is timing spurred by public demand. Security has become an important issue
to users and it will no doubt be a major marketing point of Microsoft’s
next OS release. There is also the matter of timing the new operating system
with the level of hardware the majority of users worldwide possess. Microsoft
has access to OEM sales data. Dell, for example, shares sales figures with Microsoft
of how many have what type of PC. This has a big influence on the operating
system. An operating system that is ahead of the curve may be considered bloat
ware. Let’s say that the average PC sold in 2002-2004 has a 2.4 GHz processor
and people hang onto the PC for 3-5 years. Take into account that PC technology
advances every year. Microsoft may design their new operating system to run
smoothly on a 3 GHz system and with some eye candy option off by default. With
everything turned on it will need a (theoretical) 4 or 5 GHz processor.
So introducing a new operating system too early could result in people refraining
from purchasing it because it’s “too much” for their present
system, too soon after the previous release or a combination of both. Marketers
will also probably try to time the OS release with the buying pattern of the
consumer. Advancement has a ruling influence and that is profit.
Microsoft may also be waiting for further development, inside their walls and
with other vendors/developers. There is no point introducing a 64-bit operating
system if it does not, at a minimum, match the performance of 32-bit operating
systems.
Is there a Microsoft 64-bit OS beta for the desktop?
Yes there is but it’s a preview release and looks like a throwback to
the days of Windows 95. Call it a framework without the fancy paint job. It
can be downloaded from the Microsoft
site here.
The beta version looks and installs just like Windows XP does. Currently there
is very little post-beta driver support for Windows XP 64-bit edition. For video
cards support NVIDIA is leading the pack with publicly released drivers. Matrox
follows with limited driver support and ATI is remaining relatively quiet. Realtek
is also offering beta driver support for the AC97 Codec.
The Windows XP 64-bit Edition desktop looks like the Windows XP desktop with
all of the eye candy disabled. Don’t expect a big fanfare or glossy interface
with the beta copy.
32-bit software will function on top of the 64-bit operating system but in
legacy mode. 32-bit being the “legacy” part of 64-bit. The OS, driver
development and driver support is still in the infancy stage; expect performance
hits. It will only be when many 64-bit benchmark software applications/games
are available that a proper assessment of the speed and performance of the 64-bit
environment can be made. For now benchmarks show poor performance.
Test System
- AMD FX-53 Processor
- ASUS SK8N motherboard
- Gainward FX5950 Ultra 1800XP 256 MB Video Card (Application preference
ticked for Anti-Aliasing and Anisotropic, VSYNC disabled BIOS AGP aperture
set to 256) - 2 x 512 MB Crucial
PC3200 ECC REG DDR RAM in DIMM 1 and 3 - Sony 52x CD
- 60 GB Maxtor ATA133 Hard Drive
- Samsung 950p 19″ Monitors
- USB Keyboard and Optical Mouse
- Globalwin CAK4-76T HSF
- AMK SX1000
modded PC case (window, fans, cables, loom) - Enermax 465 Watt FC PSU
- Windows XP Professional Service Pack 1 updated.
32-bit gaming benchmarks show that the 64-bit beta OS has some growing yet
to do. Remember that these are 32-bit programs emulated within a 64-bit environment
and a very beta environment at that. Performance deficiencies are to be expected.
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Only Sisoft Sandra 64-bit, which is a readily available 64-bit desktop benchmark,
shows hope. There are a few other 64-bit benchmark tests but these are more
server and database orientated tests.
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Do you need 64-bit?
That answer depends on what you do. There are many industry users would benefit
from a more affordable 64-bit environment. The home user really doesn’t
“need” a 64-bit desktop as of yet. In the same context a home user
doesn’t “need” a top of the line processor to send email or
use a word processor. A home user may want the latest technology but certainly
doesn’t need it.
The need for improvements is a circle between marketing and the consumer. The
consumer can type a letter in the most simple of text editors which would easily
and efficiently operate on an old 486 but consumers love the latest gadgets
that offer “advanced improvements” or “new streamlined intuitive
interfaces for increased productivity.” It’s the “get more…get
done faster” marketing hook.
How many of us really use the full potential of an office suite?
Games are what could materialize as the driving force to 64-bit. 64-bit games
have the potential for increased graphic realism. When a pc game like DOOM came
onto the market over a decade ago it sparked PC hardware upgrades in order to
play the game at higher resolutions with more effects enabled. No one needed
a more powerful PC to type a letter but many wanted a faster PC to play games.
Now the software could very well be in the process of being surpassed by the
hardware. There isn’t the must-have game or application that brings a
system grinding to a snail’s pace. Not with such a dramatic influence
as the earlier days of 3D PC gaming.
Multimedia applications, however, are becoming more popular and could benefit
immensely from the increased memory capabilities of 64-bit. Unfortunately truly
useful non-linear editing programs (NLE) are not cheap…not cheap like
a $50-$60 PC game.
There are many factors involved. A PC used to be thought of as a major financial
investment. Now it has become so affordable that it is considered by some as
a disposable item. Why upgrade when the entire unit can be replaced with another
that includes the latest hardware and operating system? Marketers would also
have consumers believe they are missing out on an entire world if not up to
date with the latest hardware and software. There may be the more devious approach
of preying upon people’s fears of security as a reason for an upgrade.
There isn’t a NEED to travel the 64-bit road at this time…only
a want and a desire.
Bottom line
64-bit for the desktop is only a piece of the puzzle. Software programmers
and engineers, while improving the core structure, will continue to dress up
interfaces and add new features as the average PC in the home continues to increase
in computing power. Marketers will continue to entice consumers to purchase
their wares with promises of newer and better.
A new operating system from Microsoft will obviously look different but new
looks can be applied to present operating systems through several choices of
theme software. The average PC user doesn’t go to that extent though.
They more than often buy a PC with preloaded software and they just know where
the power button and mouse are.
Price has a big influence on the consumer. The magic number seems to be around
1500-2000 dollars and that buys a fairly powerful desktop PC for the home comparatively
to 2-3 years ago. Consumers may not want to spend more on buying even 2 GB of
RAM let alone over 4 GB to begin to access the benefits of 64-bit.
A 64-bit processor does carry with it technological improvements. It will be
a faster, more powerful processor even in a 32-bit environment. AMD have kept
pricing affordable for entry level product. Perhaps current 64-bit processor
speeds will be sufficient when a true 64-bit operating system is released. This
is the advantage of a backwards compatible processor. It has a bit of “future-proofing”.
Present 32-bit software will function on top of the 64-bit OS. Migration to
new 64-bit versions of applications and games can be made progressively.
There will be continued debate in these early days of 64-bit. Some will say
it will be a catalyst for newer and better things in computing and others will
argue against.
Lastly, there are the bragging rights. To have the newest toy on the block
is to be the envy of the neighbors. It’s too bad that it can’t be
parked in full view in the driveway for a wash on a nice, sunny day.
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