So are dual core processors better than 64bit ?
 

It seems like before 64bit really got momentum this brand new thing has been launched on us. I haven't really kept up with the latest benchmarks and all.

Which one is supposed to be faster for computers?

Which one is faster for servers?

Anyone know about this kinda stuff?

I think 64 bit is good if you have 64bit enabled software - otherwise I have heard it can actually be slower.

If you are using other software then I think DuelCore is best for now - it comes into its own if you do a lot of multi-tasking. For example if you want to convert video and still want to work on another project.

Edit- I meant to say Core Duo. Not just plain dual core.

Hmm all current dual core cpu's from both amd and intel are 64bit..

yes they are and I have the amd it really speeded up my render times now Im at close to real time.

I didnt realise that - are they actually 2 64bit procs or 2x32=64?

2x64.. pretty much all single core cpu's are 64bit nowadays.

No difference really in my AMD Athlon 3200+ 64bit.

Core Duo's are 64 bit?

The Intel Core Duo (code name: Yonah) is not 64 bit. Intel's 64 bit dual core processor is not yet released, and is under the code name Merom.

64 bit only helps if you have to process very large numbers (something that only scientists using supercomputers woudl realy have a need for), or if you need to be able to address more than 4GB of ram at once (servers may have a need for this).

Dual core is much more important for the average user...

Also, the big benefit on the Intel Core Duo is performance per watt. The CPU draws only a little more than the Pentium M processor, and is much faster than say the Pentium 4 (which draws much more power).

dual core 64 amd's are pretty hot for math intensive stuff. yep this means photoshop and video editing.

Long time no see Posh Rat. Very cool answer.

So, are you saying when it comes to serving tons of movie galleries 64bit is the way to go... but for video rendering and compressing Core Duo makes more sense for now?

Is the heat that much of a problem in cooled enviroments? Will a workstation really melt? I've run my little 64bit laptop for long stretches. The heat can warm a room but after it's done (and rebooted) it is as good as new.

Is this dangerous?

I don't know that I'd really quantify it that way. If you have a need for >4GB of ram, there is a benefit to using 64 bit processors. Otherwise, I would let performance per watt be the deciding factor. The amount of electricity used by a modern high performance CPU is non-trivial, and all electricity used is ultimately converted to heat, which then requires more electricity for a compressor to move the heat outside and cool your office/datacenter/(bedroom? :) )

A core duo processor pulls approx 27 watts. A P4 Xeon processor pulls approx 150 watts. The core duo does about twice as much work as the P4 Xeon.

Intel is going to be releasing a new Xeon chip based on the same technology to improve the performance per watt.

I would personaly prefer a bunch of Core Duo's in a datacenter than a bunch of P4 Xeon's, but there doesn't seem to be any servers that use those chips *yet*.

What if it's winter time? you get free heating :)

I'm running xp 64 bit on mu amd +3500. It is a little fast but I can also do alot more of multi-tasking.

Same here. I built my newest PC with an AMD 3200+ 64 and the render times improved BIG time over my old AMD. It was a VERY welcome change.

:thumbsup

I have a laptop with dual core processor and it doesn't get hot at all, funny
enough it is completely silent aswell. There's no 10 fans snoaring inside.

Asus A6ja is what I've got with 2Gb 677 RAM

Yup, dual core 64 bit AMD for me, using WinXP x64 edition... everything just flies now!