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Is now a good time to build?

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thetung1   01-21-2006 at 02:42:44 AM

I'm relatively new to computer building and I've got a couple of questions (please forgive my ignorance):

1.) Is now a good time to build a computer? ---> It's my understanding that we're on the cusp of the transition from 32 to 64 bit technology. If one were to build a PC now, would they still be able to reap the benefits of 64 bit? Are special motherboards going to be made that can support the almost endless supply of RAM that 64 bit will allow? Will new hardware have to be acquired to fully reap 64 bit?

2.) Is Windows XP Pro 64 bit a good OS choice to herald the coming of full 64 bit integration, or should one wait for Windows Vista?

3.) Also, should one wait a while to allow all of the drivers and software to be updated to fully benefit from 64 bit?

I'm really anxious to build a kick ass system, however, I'm leary that I may act too quickly... and be left behind (unable to transition) to new and upcoming technologies. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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tylerthedruid   01-21-2006 at 02:49:26 AM
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Is windows vista 64-bit?

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purelithium   01-21-2006 at 03:10:09 AM
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Quote :

Is windows vista 64-bit?



Yep.

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the_guru   01-21-2006 at 03:12:44 AM
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Quote :

Is windows vista 64-bit?


Vista will be released as both 32-bit and 64-bit.

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tylerthedruid   01-25-2006 at 10:00:32 PM
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I wrote down a list of reasons I'm not rebuilding the other day.

Currently waiting on...
AM2
DDR2
65nm proc
64-bit programs
ATI's 48-pixelpipe card

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nobly   01-25-2006 at 10:48:03 PM
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Here's my opinion: I've fielded this question from many friends.

Quote :

I'm relatively new to computer building and I've got a couple of questions (please forgive my ignorance):

1.) Is now a good time to build a computer? ---> It's my understanding that we're on the cusp of the transition from 32 to 64 bit technology. If one were to build a PC now, would they still be able to reap the benefits of 64 bit? Are special motherboards going to be made that can support the almost endless supply of RAM that 64 bit will allow? Will new hardware have to be acquired to fully reap 64 bit?


No, its not. Processor outputs have basically stopped producing any worthwhile CPUs. AMD chips (while good) are, right now, too expensive because of lack of head to head competition from Intel. Intel's P4's are being replaced as we speak, but time to market won't come until about mid-year. So right now is a bad time to build, just price-wise.
You are correct that the move to 64 bit is in progress. But there's not much software that uses 64 bit right now. Its going to get better, but redesigning software for 64 bit from 32 bit isn't like snapping your fingers - it'll take some more time.
Basically I'm saying if you build now, yes, you'll get 64 bit, but you won't have much to really take advantage of it. And you'll be paying more. Prices should get more competitive once we know what Conroe and the new Intel architecture can do.
Yes, 64 bit allows more RAM, but in reality, even most gamers probably max out at like 2GB. The only people who would really use more than 4GB are professional servers, business workstations, and enthusiasts. So I doubt you're going to start seeing mboards with 10 DDR slots or anything (unless its server, etc).

Quote :


2.) Is Windows XP Pro 64 bit a good OS choice to herald the coming of full 64 bit integration, or should one wait for Windows Vista?


Sorry, no experience w/ XP 64bit. But I'd just wait for vista and stick w/ your copy of 32-bit XP. Minimize the $ you give to them.

Quote :


3.) Also, should one wait a while to allow all of the drivers and software to be updated to fully benefit from 64 bit?

I'm really anxious to build a kick ass system, however, I'm leary that I may act too quickly... and be left behind (unable to transition) to new and upcoming technologies. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


If you wait, its going to be a long wait. It'll take time, especially for the software to come of age. I'm sure alot of things will be done by this or next year (especially since vista is coming in '07?). But things should be backwards compatible, so you can just live w/ that until the 64bit versions come out.

Bottomline in my mind, if you're an AMD fan and have the $ to burn, go for it. If not, just wait for Intel to come around. You'll probably see AMD do some price cuts then. But if you really need a computer now, then just go for it. If you can wait, then wait til Conroe comes.
If you want a computer for gaming, then I'd say only wait for price drops... Otherwise, no matter.

my 2 cents.

Reply to nobly
Jagger   01-25-2006 at 10:59:29 PM
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If you can wait 8 months, it's probally not worth it to build a new rig now. By then, all of the products you are waiting on will be out in full force.

On the other hand, in 8 months there will be some newfangled technology on the horizion that we will all be drooling over.

Reply to Jagger
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