Questions about the Core 2 Duo

millenium_dare said:
Is the Core 2 Duo a true 64-bit processor or is it 64-bit enabled like my P4 EM64T?
Click to expand...

Battleneter2 said:
It is a true 64 bit
Click to expand...

Err...umm...define "true" 64 bit. I thought the C2D uses EM64T in the exact same manner that the P4 used.
 
Oh...see, i'm not too savvy on this type of stuff, but my p4 that has EM64T sure doesn't perform as well as an AMD processor. I just thought that it was Intel's way of making some more money.
 
It's not a true 64 bit processor like a DEC Alpha or an Intel Itanium, actually. The EM64T technology works like an extension above and beyond 32 bit architecture, but it allows you to run 64 bit code and operating systems natively, so...

I had this debate recently on several forums, and in the end it comes down to what a "64 bit processor" is defined as.

Basically, if it compiles 64 bit code, runs 64 bit code, handles memory operations in 64 bit mode/chunks, it's a 64 bit processor.

But it still breaks down to being an extension on 32 bit processor architecture. Even the Opterons and Athlon64's are doing that in many ways, and not "real" 64 bit architecture like DEC Alphas (from way back in 1992) and Intel Itaniums are.

Still an interesting point, however...

AMD64, aka EM64T <<<--- This might help.
 
There is no such thing as a "true" 64-bit processor (in the desktop segment) right now. They are all 32-bit processors with 64-bit extensions. A true 64-bit processor would require a 64-bit operating system, 64-bit applications, and 64-bit drivers, and wouldn't be backwards compatible with any 32-bit stuff.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top