Which is batter overall amd 64 or p4 - Tech Support Forums

marknina · December 21st, 2003, 11:05 PM

Just curious on what you thaink is the best overall processor.
Intel or AMD? and will AMD still be around facing tough finanial times

Siliconjunkie · December 21st, 2003, 11:18 PM

Well, since the Athlon64 just hit the streets, and the only OS that you can put on it now is Linux (maybe), and there is no 64 bit software yet. I don't think that anyone here will be able to make an accurate comparison. Unless you have a need for 64 bit, stay with an Athlon XP. The P4 isnt even in the same class as the Athlon64.

TeRG · December 21st, 2003, 11:21 PM

athlon 64 and opteron are fully capeable of running 32 bit apps, including windows..they take a speed loss, but still beat the pants off of the p4..

HeadBand · December 21st, 2003, 11:23 PM

well there is win xp 64 bit but you can only get that with a subscription to msdn

IMO when intel 64-bit hits desktops i will kick AMD 64's butt

Siliconjunkie · December 21st, 2003, 11:25 PM

64 bit XP will be released to the public soon. Then Intel will release an Itanium desktop and we are right back where we are.

Already there: Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003 is available from computer manufacturers with the purchase of a new Intel Itanium Processor Family workstation.

TeRG · December 21st, 2003, 11:25 PM

headband, from what intel says, they have no desire to go to 64 bit yet. (last i heard)

and also, they said that about the athlon when it crushed the p3 aswell. i remember that too. a little improvement to the athlon, and it was taking on the p4 for a LONG time without any major problems

Atomic Rooster · December 21st, 2003, 11:32 PM

TeRG is correct. The AMD 64 is fully compatible with 32 bit apps. Here's a good article from Toms Hardware.

marknina · December 21st, 2003, 11:33 PM

What about AMD financially is it a sound company. Reports are they are struggling.

Starfury_2260 · December 22nd, 2003, 12:40 AM

unlike intel if a new processor of amd's fails to sell it could kill the company AFAIK

i've heard it said they have to "bet the farm" on each new thing.

Dputiger · December 22nd, 2003, 04:42 PM

Some of the info in this thread is a bit off-kilter.I'm going to try to correct. Starting at the beginning:

SiliconJunkie: Athlon 64 is fully compatible with every x86 operating system going all the way back to DOS. Any and all versions of Windows will run on it perfectly.

Terg: Athlon 64 does not take a speed loss when running 32-bit x86 code, that's Itanium. Athlon 64 will be FASTER in 64-bit mode in certain cases, but that's not the same as taking a speed hit in others.

HeadBand: There's absolutely no proof of this and its not yet known (though it has been speculated) as to whether or not Prescott contains 64-bit instructions. Even if it does, they have not been switched on yet. At the earliest, Intel might make a move like that 6-12 months from now.

SiliconJunkie: There will be no desktop Itanium for years--two, at the minimum. Itanium is barely selling into its current niche market, and there's no traction for it at the current time.

AMD should have very strong financials this quarter, possibly returning to profit, but your insight is correct--they are running on a financial wire.