64-bit desktop computing (for the rest of us, not the tech weenies) is starting to really make a surge. I had posted here about 64-bit computing asking the question if any of us really needed it, and how we might get some bargains in the meantime on older 32-bit computers. Back then, I had the opinion that most of us won’t need 64-bit computing, however, the times are changing, and for the Frugal Tech, you dollar can go further on your tech purchases.
What we are talking about of course is the seemingly epic struggle between Intel and AMD for control (or at least a reasonable split) of the computing desktops and compute server racks of the IT World. On one side, we’ve got Intel with it’s approach to the market and on the other AMD with it’s approach. They are both driving everyone to 64-bit (even if the software applications are not quite available yet).
For the technically inclined, please note benchmarks at C/net at this link here
Our friends in Russia (and now also the U.S.) at X-Bit labs have run some benchmarks as well and you can see those at this link here.
First, the punch line - AMD Athlon64 based computers at 64-bit are hands down better than their Intel counterparts. On price, performance, and on the lesser considered but equally important issues of power consumption and thermal dissipation (how much heat the chips give off) AMD’s Athlon64 processors are just a better bargain.
So let’s talk about why you should care, what you might do about it, and, most importantly for the Frugal Tech, how it effects your purse.
Why should you care? Well, first and foremost, as a Frugal Tech, your going to get more for your dollar with an AMD Athlon64 based desktop. And, it’s not that you pay more for an AMD based system and get alot more, rather, you pay less for that and get alot more. Generally speaking, your going to find that an AMD Athlon64 system is $200 to $400 cheaper than a comparable Intel computer. And there’s no reason to worry if Microsoft Windows XP is going to be in support of it as they are already are (as seen at this link here)
Second, because the AMD chips that run the computer run cooler, the life and reliability of your new computer will be longer. AND, it will take less electricity to run your computer as well. Both of those are good signs that your hard earned frugal dollars will live longer in your shiny new computer. By the by, older AMD processors did have a problem with over heating. However, AMD’s new processors (Athlon and Opteron) have completely fixed that problem.
To go find an AMD computer, they have a nice tool here that can help you, just click this link here. Before you do though, looking through the following article links will be time wisely spent to make sure you are a wise frugal tech, stretching your dollars and enjoying your new computer:
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