Performance of 64-bit vs. 32-bit Windows Dual Core

mikemuch writes "ExtremeTech's Loyd Case has done extensive testing on the same dual-core Athlon X2 4800+ system to explore performance differences between Windows XP Professional x64 and good ole Win32. The biggest hurdle is getting the right drivers. There are a few performance surprises, particularly in 3D games."

Comments

Biggest Benefit

[dsginter]

The spyware can all be run on one of the cores while the other can be used to get work done. I'm getting one for my father-in-law.

Re:Biggest Benefit

[Wocko]

AKA the "hard" core.

Marketing Hype

[oringo]

I still don't understand why someone would need a 64-bit workstation/desktop. What does x86-64 offer you other than the higher price tag? True, AMD-64 rocks in Intel's face, but the performance is gained through a direct memory interface, not by going 64-bit. The tests from TFA shows no difference between running 64-bit and 32-bit applications. If I were to own a x86-64 machine, I bet I'd turn off the 64-bit function to reduce the complexity of running applications.

And another change in marching orders:

[MrAnnoyanceToYou]

16TB addressable VM Space should be enough for ANYONE.

Microsoft recommends other operating systems

[serano]

A few months ago I bought a new AMD 64-bit processor and mother board. I installed XP Professional 64-bit edition, but the wireless MS mouse and keyboard I had wouldn't work. I couldn't find 64-bit drivers anywhere on MS's site, so I gave them a call. The person on the phone told me the keyboard and mouse wouldn't work with XP 64 and suggested I try another operating system. I asked if she recommmended Red Hat or Gentoo, but she just said, "No comment. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Re:Standard phallacy

[Elwood P Dowd]

"phallacy"? Is that like when you say it's 7 inches but you know damn well it's 5?