Ready Or Not: 64-Bit Computing
Sixty-four-bit computing is here and available to systems builders now. Although recent advances in 32-bit processors have been impressive, the idea of data coursing through 64-bit wide registers at more than 2 GHz is even more impressive.
Why 64 bits? Today's 32-bit systems are at their limit. And it's not just scientists and engineers who are pushing the envelope. A new breed of consumers and business users are demanding more computing power from their PCs. At the same time, some very large companies are counting on complex information systems to sell and deliver their products, calling for the granularity of data and real-time data streams that 64-bit computing enables.
A 64-bit CPU has two main advantages over a 32-bit processor. First, it processes data in packets that are twice the size of what a 32-bit CPU can handle. For demanding tasks, such as digital video editing or 3D gaming, 64-bit processing helps the CPU execute code faster--much faster. Second, a 64-bit CPU can access far more system RAM, as much as 18 exabytes--that is, 18 quintillion bytes of data. A 32-bit CPU can address no more than 4 GB.
Sixty-four-bit computing has actually been around for more than 10 years, but until recently was accessible only to those operating expensive, high-end servers. In the PC marketplace, 64-bit computing had to wait until 2002, which brought the advent of Intel's Itanium and AMD's Hammer programs. Intel's 64-bit Itanium introduced a new architecture, IA-64, that is based on a model known as Explicitly Parallel Instruction Computing (EPIC). Rather than developing a new architecture, AMD took a different approach: It extended its current x86 architecture to completely support 64 bits.
Today, all the parts for 64-bit computing are available to systems builders. We have the arrival of chipsets like Via's K8T800. We have the XP 64-bit Edition trial version. We have 64-bit Linux. We have 64-bit application software. What's more, they're available at price points low enough to promote the replacement of 32-bit CPUs and motherboards.
Combine that with faster clocking and backward compatibility, and you can see why many builders are choosing to sell the hardware combinations now, even without an overwhelming demand for specific 64-bit applications.
The 64-Bit OS Choice
Both Microsoft and Linux vendors now have reliable 64-bit versions of their OSs. I recommend Microsoft's 64-bit OS for most systems builders for five reasons:
1. High performance: A 64-bit OS lets you run the next generation of high-performance, 64-bit-native applications. Using 64-bits delivers more data per clock cycle, helping systems to run faster and more efficiently.
2. Large memory support: Adding 64-bit instructions enables support for more than 4 GB of memory. This, in turn, helps applications run faster when working with large data sets. It preloads substantially more data into virtual memory, which allows rapid access by the 64-bit processor.
3. Flexibility: In addition to supporting 64-bit applications, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition provides a rich platform for integrating 64-bit technical applications and existing 32-bit business applications using the Windows on Windows 64 (WOW64) x86 emulation layer.
4. Multiprocessing and multicore: Windows XP Professional x64 Edition supports up to two single or multicore x64 processors for maximum performance and scalability.
5. No change in programming model: Developers with 32-bit skills will be comfortable and quickly productive in the 64-bit Windows environment, finding it virtually identical to the development environment for 32-bit Windows.
Here's another reason: It could be free! If you purchased your 32-bit version of XP professional recently, you may be eligible for Microsoft's Technology Advancement Program.
Drivers And Applications
While you may not find a driver for every application you run, a reasonable number of 64-bit drivers are available for both XP and Linux. In fact, the upcoming release of Windows XP Professional x64 Edition will include device drivers from several hardware manufacturers, indicating more general support for critical hardware. Still, we're likely to see this first version of 64-bit XP roll out to those systems builders who require only a few key drivers to deliver XP with their new 64-bit systems.
One place to check to see if 64-bit drivers are available for the 64-bit configurations you are building is AMD's AMD64 Ecosystem page. This currently lists some 1,000 software packages from more than 300 software developers. Intel has resources, as well, in its 64-Bit Resource Center. But this focuses mainly on migration strategies and tools for server deployment.
As you might expect, full 64-bit offerings are being delivered first to those application areas that will derive the most benefit from the technology's double-wide registers and faster speeds. For example, applications that manipulate large data stores have led the way, including back-end server operations, engineering applications, computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D visualization.
Another hot market for 64-bit systems is gaming; game makers will no doubt use the technology to produce life-like 3D animations. Already, they build their most sophisticated 3D titles around complicated database engines that store the reactions of game objects and computer-controlled characters in response to player actions. The advent of 64-bit computing will enable them to create ever more realistic games.
Building a 64-Bit System
I recently built a 64-bit whitebox PC, and continue to be excited about the possibilities this new breed of processor and supporting chipsets brings. I combined an AMD Athlon 64 3200+ 2-GHz processor with Via's K8T800 chipset utilizing an Asus K8V SE Deluxe motherboard. Other features include increased performance with HyperTransport, an optional ASUS Wi-Fi slot, AGP 8x, S/PDIF digital audio, FireWire and built-in Dual SATA RAID.
Here are some tips based on my own assembly of a 64-bit box, though they could as easily be applied to any system you're building:
1. After gathering and inspecting your components, remove the cover from the case and visualize the layout. Planning now will prevent setbacks during assembly.
2. Install the diskette drive, configure the hard disk and CD-ROM drive while they're out of the box, and install them into the bays.
3. Configure the motherboard before installing the memory, processor and fan. Then review the motherboard configuration; I use this opportunity to both document my system and perform a final check of the configuration because, later, when the motherboard is installed, making changes becomes more difficult.
4. Install the motherboard and connections to the case. Again, I recommend that you check your work to avoid having to dig back into the box later on.
5. Cable up the drives and install any additional PCI cards before your final inspection. Next, power up the system, and ensure that it passes the initial power-on self test (POST). Then partition and format the hard drive. Finally, install the CD-ROM driver and get ready to download and install the 64-bit OS.
In the end, a 64-bit PC appears no different than a 32-bit system--until you see the performance. Whether you build systems for gaming, video production, audio, database performance or just pure speed, it is time to join the 64-bit revolution. *
Andy McDonough is a freelance writer based in New Jersey.
