Windows XP 64 bit and AMB 64 3200+

[Scott]

Hello,

I just bought a Northgate computer from Staples (still
waiting for it to arrive) with an AMB Athlon 64 3200+
processor and it has Windows XP Home. How can I take
advantage of the 64 bit nature of this processor without a
64 bit OS? If I need a 64 bit OS how can I obtain one as
Microsoft does not sell their 64 bit OS to end users?

Thanks

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

You'll have to wait until Microsoft releases the 64-bit AMD
compatible version of Windows XP later this year.

List of Limitations in 64-Bit Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;282423&Product=winxp

Cannot Install Some Programs on Windows XP for 64-bit Platforms
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;298218&Product=winxp

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

-------------------------------------------------------------------


| Hello,
|
| I just bought a Northgate computer from Staples (still
| waiting for it to arrive) with an AMB Athlon 64 3200+
| processor and it has Windows XP Home. How can I take
| advantage of the 64 bit nature of this processor without a
| 64 bit OS? If I need a 64 bit OS how can I obtain one as
| Microsoft does not sell their 64 bit OS to end users?
|
| Thanks

 

[CS]

Hello,

I just bought a Northgate computer from Staples (still
waiting for it to arrive) with an AMB Athlon 64 3200+
processor and it has Windows XP Home. How can I take
advantage of the 64 bit nature of this processor without a
64 bit OS? If I need a 64 bit OS how can I obtain one as
Microsoft does not sell their 64 bit OS to end users?

Thanks

You may be waiting for some time until Microsoft releases a 64 bit
version of Windows XP or Server 2003 for the AMD 64 bit CPUs. Right
now and for the near future the only available 64 bit version of XP
available is for the 64 bit Intel CPU. The AMD and Intel CPUs are
not the same in architecture and therefore each requires an OS
designed specifically for it.

Also, it will be some time before software publishers release versions
of their programs that will take advantage of the new 64 bit CPUs.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I just bought a Northgate computer from Staples (still
waiting for it to arrive) with an AMB Athlon 64 3200+
processor and it has Windows XP Home. How can I take
advantage of the 64 bit nature of this processor without a
64 bit OS? If I need a 64 bit OS how can I obtain one as
Microsoft does not sell their 64 bit OS to end users?

As yet you cannot. The 64 bit version of XP for AMD 64 bit processors
is still unreleased and in Beta. Once it has been released I think
there may well be a version you could buy.

 

[Will Denny]

As yet you cannot. The 64 bit version of XP for AMD 64 bit processors
is still unreleased and in Beta. Once it has been released I think
there may well be a version you could buy.

Hi Alex

I can't remember seeing one UK PC supplier stating that the 64-bit machines are being supplied with a 32-bit OS, which I think could/should be implemented. A couple of people I know have bought a 64-bit PC over the 'phone - having already purchased previous PCs from the same supplier - only to find that there is no 64-bit OS included. Nothing was said at the point of sale about the OS version.

 

[Guest]

-----Original Message-----


You may be waiting for some time until Microsoft releases a 64 bit
version of Windows XP or Server 2003 for the AMD 64 bit CPUs. Right
now and for the near future the only available 64 bit version of XP
available is for the 64 bit Intel CPU. The AMD and Intel CPUs are
not the same in architecture and therefore each requires an OS
designed specifically for it.

Also, it will be some time before software publishers release versions
of their programs that will take advantage of the new 64 bit CPUs.
.

Does this mean that the processor is basically worthless,
or will it still run the 32 bit OS and standard MS Office
programs fine? I did get a good deal on the computer with
hte 64 bit processor, but do not want it if it will cause
problems.

 

[Guest]

Hello,

Thanks for the information. How late this year will it be
available? As per the first link stating the No Kernel-
Mode 32-bit code support I have a question. If I buy the
64-bit Windows for AMD processors when it is available I
will not be able to print, run antivirus, or have video
without new software and hardware? The video card with my
new computer is A XFX GeForce MX440 8X AGP 128MB DDR DVI &
VIVO. How would I check if it would be 64-bit compatible?
Also, where would I get new printer drivers?

Thanks,

Scott

 

[Yves Leclerc]

The AMD 64 chips do run the Windows XP 32 bit succesfully.

Whenever/Ifever you switch over to the Windows XP AMD 64bit verison, you may
have to change the other drivers/programs that you have.

Y.

 

[Malke]

Hello,

Thanks for the information. How late this year will it be
available? As per the first link stating the No Kernel-
Mode 32-bit code support I have a question. If I buy the
64-bit Windows for AMD processors when it is available I
will not be able to print, run antivirus, or have video
without new software and hardware? The video card with my
new computer is A XFX GeForce MX440 8X AGP 128MB DDR DVI &
VIVO. How would I check if it would be 64-bit compatible?
Also, where would I get new printer drivers?

Thanks,

Scott

Scott, the bottom line is that right now - and probably until the last
quarter of 2004 - you can't run Windows XP on a 64-bit Athlon
processor. Even after a 64-bit version of XP comes out that can work
with the Athlons, all the hardware mftrs. (like the one who made your
printer) will have to write new drivers. You will get new drivers for
your hardware the same way you get them now - by going to the mftrs.'
websites and downloading them. All hardware mftrs. will have
information on their sites about which of their products support
Windows XP 64-bit and which don't, etc. It's fun to be on the edge, but
when you're on the bleeding edge, sometimes there's nothing you can do
but wait.

If you are absolutely dying to buy a new 64-bit processor, there are
other operating systems that can take advantage of it (SUSE 9.0 Linux,
for one and probably other distros and various flavors of Unix).
Otherwise, Patience Is A Virtue and if you've got that money burning a
whole in your pocket, send it to me!

Cheers,

Malke