Multi core CPUs & Vista

[OnTheWayOut]

My MB fried so I decided to replace instead of repair. I went with an AMD quad core CPU, unusual for me because I usually wait a bit for the price for newer technology to drop. Also Costco had a kick ass deal at the time.

What I haven't fully grasped is why dual core and quad core units being sold have Vista Home Premium (32 bit) which doesn't take advantage of all that CPU power. I recently bought a new dual core laptop for my SO and it's the same deal. There's a link in the program files to "upgrade Windows Vista" which takes you to a site that will let you upgrade to Vista Ultimate (64 bit) which offers support for dual core CPUs. It'll cost @ $200 to upgrade but in my case I could upgrade both new computers so net cost would be $100 per PC.

Is it really worth it? I don't see mention of quad cores at all, does this mean it will only be using 2 cores? Is anyone developing quad core OS? If upgrading to the 64 bit Vista, will existing software need to be upgraded to a 64 bit version or does Vista handle all that? The SO uses the laptop for games, nothing more complex than the Sims & Tycoon (Zoo, roller coaster, etc) games. How would upgrading to 64 bit affect that?

I know that's a lot of questions so if you'd rather post a link to a site that has the info I'd appreciate it. I just don't want to throw away $200 to Microsoft unless there's real benefit to doing so. Both the laptop and the desktop fairly scream along as they are so it's not like we're dying for more speed. Neither is used for anything exotic, the laptop is used to design and update a website and play games.

Thanks for any insight you may lend ..... sure was easier when I waited for prices to drop b4 buying, didn't have to worry about latest technology crap

 

[Mack Bolan]

There is a Vista Ultimate 32 bit version. That's what I'm using and the only way a program takes advantage of the new CPU, is that it's has to be written for the new chip sets. With the 32 bit version, will run 99% of the current programs and hardware.

 

[Powershot]

32 bit Vista can use multiple cores, where did you read/hear otherwise?

 

[thirdtime]

My understanding is that XP and Vista (32 or 64 bit) will make use of 2 processors in Core 2 Duo and Quad core systems. An application has to be written to specifically support all 4 cores in a Quad core.

 

[WoodPeckr]

My understanding is that processor speeds are waaaaaaay ahead of software programs, programing and OSs development.
Right now current software does not even come close to fully utilizing dual cores let alone quad cores.
You get a quad core now hoping it will last for years to come and sofware will catch up to it but who knows in a few years, things could head off into another direction with the way things develop.

Vista 64 bit, while in theory is superior, can be quirky when compared to Vista 32 bit. With Vista 64 bit you will have problems finding needed drivers etc., to make it run smoothly. Do a 'google' on Vista 64 bit to see what problems you will face if you decide to make that leap.......

 

[OnTheWayOut]

32 bit Vista can use multiple cores, where did you read/hear otherwise?

I'm not sure where I read that anymore.

I saw a review where the 64 bit version is supposedly 16% faster than 32 bit. But yes, there are driver issues. I'm thinking it may not be worth the trouble as they're both working very well as is.

I'll keep researching and if I turn up anything useful I'll share it.

thx for the input so far

 

[basketcase]

I remember trying a beta of the 64 bit XP. I found that the increase in performance was more than defeated by the lack of drivers . It also didn't seem like there was a huge interest in developing those drivers. Sad to hear that there are still driver problems.

 

[PDSAjax]

A 64bit OS is really not needed for general usage. The advantages, especially in memory addressing are truly realised when it is implemented in a server - and the server manufacturers do develop 64 bit drivers.

32 bit programs will run on a 64 bit system, but they run in an emulation mode - similar to the way 32 bit windows runs 16 bit applications.

 

[svtcobra]

A 64bit OS is really not needed for general usage. The advantages, especially in memory addressing are truly realized when it is implemented in a server - and the server manufacturers do develop 64 bit drivers.

32 bit programs will run on a 64 bit system, but they run in an emulation mode - similar to the way 32 bit windows runs 16 bit applications.

Yes, and just right.

Also if you're thinking of going higher than 3gb of ram you will need 64bit to utilized all of that ram. In 32bit mode windows will see only 3gb of that ram you have.

Personally I've upgraded all of my employees machines to Intel Quad core QX6850 processors with 8gb of ram. Why it is a little overboard but with what we use it for we need it. Vista 64bit was a little pain in the ass to get drivers for certain cards, but in the end it working well for us so far. The only problem that I ran into was getting proper raid drivers so the machines can see the extra hard drives that was needed to be a raid 5. Also the windows networking part of vista was a little weird and hopefully that service pack will fix those bugs.