Should I go AMD 64 now?

[vicsant]

Hello,

I'm a professional musician and I'm about to build my second DAW for my studio.

As all the software I am using (Sonar 3.1.1), and my hardware drivers are still 32-bit, is it feasible to go with an AMD 64 processor now?

I've read that 32-bit applications run faster with the AMD 64.

I'm looking at an AMD 64 3200.

Thanks for your input.

Vic

[TwoRails]

Yes, the 64's are screamers with 32 bit apps. They are fast and stable. A lot of people say "wait" until 64 apps come out, but that doesn't make sense to me. I, for one, can not afford to replace all my apps with 64 bit versions.

[TpGun2424]

Getting the 3200 means you need socket 754 which is not the way to go. It may be the only reasonbly priced socket but it is gonna become the budget model. You'll get very limited upgradability with the procs and no dual channel. If you can afford the a socket 939 proc and mobo go with that, otherwise stay away from the AMD 64 until the prices drop on socket 939. Just go with a P4 3.2 if you need the system now.

Read Ric449's article on the AMD 64, it's in the attached file. http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=104802