[plug] [OT] pc builting confusion

[Chris Caston]

On Tue, 2005-03-22 at 19:29, Craig Ringer wrote:
> On Tue, 2005-03-22 at 18:12 +0800, Ryan Smith wrote:
> > hello
> > 
> > I am trying to built a computer for a friend.
> > He wants it to last for a while (about 10 years). From this we came to
> > the problem of, how long will software for a 32bit cpu be developed? Or
> > are 64bit cpu's going to take over soon?
> 
> I wouldn't be surprised to see 64 bit CPUs become fully mainstream in
> the next year or two. Before support for 32-bit only CPUs even begins to
> flag, you'd need:
>   - All the "current" 32bit systems to age to "obsolete" (min 3-4 years)
>   - Microsoft to release a new version of Windows for 64 bit computers
>     that sees near-universal adoption
> 
> As for the vast majority of software there's no serious difference
> between 32 and 64 bit CPUs, and as the "consumer" 64 bit CPUs are all
> compatible with 32bit software for their architecture, I doubt software
> vendors will stop making 32bit compatible software for a LONG time.
> 
> I suppose there's the memory cap to consider, but that'll only hit
> scientific software, games, and a few other areas. Not even Mozilla,
> OpenOffice and Evolution can (quite) use up 4GB of RAM :-P 
> 
> In summary, I wouldn't worry too much.
> 
> > Also what is the difference between socket 754 and socket 939 athlon 64?
> 
> Different processor support. Socket 754 is being phased out ; it's the
> older Athlon 64 socket. Socket 939 is the new socket for Opteron and
> Athlon 64. I think there are some differences in RAM support etc too,
> not sure.
> 
> If you're thinking in terms of upgrading, I'd advise you not to bother.
> It's rarely (not never, but rarely) worth upgrading the CPU in a system
> - you'll usually want to do the CPU, motherboard, and RAM at the same
> time. So really, who cares what the socket is from an upgrading PoV.
> 

Also consider they you may need to replace the CPU if the current one
has a fan failure or the motherboard kills it with the wrong voltage.

> > What are peoples thought on this. Should we go for a cheaper 32bit cpu
> > or a 64bit one?
> 
> I'd say it's much of a muchness. That said, the Athlon 64 CPUs aren't
> actually all that much more expensive when you consider the total system
> price - and if your friend is thinking in the long term, they should be
> prepared to spend a little more now to get a system that'll last better.
> 

I think that Athlon64's are really good at keeping their cool and are
usually much cheaper than Pentium4 with Prescott cores (that get very
hot)

> That probably applies to things like fast RAM support, SATA, etc too.