Do I Need That 64 bit Or Dual Core System??

Written By: Jeff H. Reynolds

It seems that there is no end in sight for the future development and advancement of computer technology.  What's even more fascinating is the fact that this is happening without costs going through the roof.

Both Intel and AMD have processors in the market place with dual cores... and they also have 64bit processors out there. In both instances, it seems that AMD leads the industry. But, the real question is... does anyone need the new technologies... that is, should anyone bother to upgrade to either a 64 bit system or to a dual core machine?

The answer in most instances is a resounding... No.

There is very little software out there that has been developed to run on 64 bit systems. Though in most all instances you can run 32 bit software on the 64 bit systems.  Then, if you do buy the 64 bit operating system, there's the question of drivers for your accessories etc.... These are things that you need to consider.

Most all of the new Pentium IV and Celeron D processors being marketed by Intel are coming with what they call EM64T... which is their 64bit technology.  Accordingly, the price of 64bit chips is falling fast.  I just bought a 2.66ghz Pentium IV 64bit chip/motherboard combo set for less than $90.  And, I bought a 3.06ghz Celeron D 64bit chip/motherboard combo set for less $100.

It's amazing isn't it.

AMD's Sempron line of processors are now coming with their 64bit technology activated.  The prices of the chips range from a low of $60 to more than $100 depending on speed and vendor.  The Athlon 64bit chips are a bit more expensive... and worth the few extra dollars in my opinion,  They typically run anywhere from $80 to $150.
 
As for the Dual Core processors, the question of whether to upgrade is more complicated. If you don't mind spending a bit more money on setting up your custom machine... then I would recommend making the jump to the Dual Core. The performance gain can be pretty incredible. (Note... the dual core processors are 64 bit chips.)

If you are multi-tasking... you are going to notice the difference in performance immediately.

If you like to stream music or videos while working on the computer, you will notice a difference.

If you are running programs in the background (i.e., seti) you will notice a difference.

And, if you are intending on using your computer as the backbone of your home theater in addition to using it for your regular home office, you definately want the extra performance.

The costs involved in making the jump aren't as bad as one might think.  At the moment, retailers like Fry's Electronics and MicroCenter are selling dual core motherboard/chip combo kits for less than $350. This is about 3 times as much as a combo kit for either the AMD or Intel's base lines (Sempron or Celeron D). 

But, getting back to the question at hand... in most instances, people are just not going to need to upgrade to either a 64 bit processor or a dual core system.  Of course, my answer is predicated upon the assumption that you are running at present... an Athlon XP, Sempron, Celeron D, or Pentium IV system that is 32bit based.  These older more basic systems are generally more than enough performance for everyone other than the most die hard power user.