XP 32-bit+AMD 64 = ???????????????????

Question

I'm building a new pc soon with the following core specs

550 w power supply
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ processor( i don't know if it's 64bit)
3 GB RAM
160 GB HD DRIVE
ATI RADEON X1950 Pro
Windows XP Home Edition 32 bit

Will the 32 bit XP conflict with the Athlon 64?

Answer 1

No, you'll be fine. AMD 64 processor series support both code extensions. In fact, the 64bit versions of Windows XP and Vista do have the ability to run 32-bit applications while running, but not the other way around. Though this isn't as stable as running a 64-bit application on a 64-bit OS, it can be done.

As for your system configuration, it wouldn't be a bad idea to invest into a bigger drive. You can buy a 500 GB with 16MB of cache at or below $100. This actually is over looked. Your computer can only function as fast as its slowest part. This being the hard drive, to match peak performance, you want to reduce the amount of time that is spent pulling data from the hard drive and sending it to RAM. Thus a good hard drive and sizable amount of RAM should be considered to hold the data. At 3GB, you'll do most tasks at hand with the exception of graphics rendering for CAD or Animation purposes. Though you probably could add more, in most cases up to 4GB if not more.

The performance gains will become less noticeable as the efficiency of how the resources are handled will start to drop. Regarding XP Home edition, my recommendation is to go with XP Pro. Though Home edition will likely meet your needs, Pro has better handling of networks and multiple processor support, which for a college student connecting within a dorm environment or as a gamer, it may worth the investment.

Answer 2

Unless you have a special need that requires 64 bit software, stay away from it. Experts that I have contacted who have used it says that many of the standard things don't work well or at all under the 64 bit operating system. 32 bit XP can still take advantage of your 64 bit AMD.

Answer 3

no the amd64(or x86-64) processing architecture has 3 modes. 2 of these modes are inherited from the i386(The regular 32-bit intel chip) architecture. these two modes are the real and protected modes. The way to switch into these two modes are the same. The 64-bit mode is called long mode and to switch into this mode there are more steps. So since windows will just switch to protected mode, you should be fine. But why would you buy a 64-bit processor if you are not going to take full advantage of its word length?

Answer 4

Nope, the Athlon 64 will run 32-bit XP just fine...

Answer 5

This is fine - you don't need 3 GB ram and up the storage if you can as the cost of 300GB or 500GB isn't much more than the 160GB and will give you more choices as time goes by.

Answer 6

yer talkin bout two different things, amd has nothing to do with the system you install. little over kill with power supply, 2 gigs of ram is more then enough for games put in an extra drive as well.

Answer 7

you are good to go.

good luck

Answer 8

No, it won't.