Teach me about Intel 64, or EM64T

[saltycrackers]

I read somewhere that Intel is launching a 3.8 ghz desktop that is 64 bits in August. Would this be a wise processor for a gaming machine? Will there be any significant performance increases compared to Intel's 32 bit processors?

I would like to build a gaming machine that has PCI-Express and is 64 bit enabled, and since it is taking SIS and VIA forever to make mobos that support Athlon 939's and pci-express, the EM64T technology looks like something to consider. Anything important I should know? Thanks.

 

[kick@ss]

64 bit = pointless for gaming. You need a 64 bit OS for the 64 bit features to be put to use and the 64 bit version of WinXP has horrible driver support. More bits does not always mean better.

 

[BillLeeLee]

The 64-bit part will be worthless unless you use a 64-bit OS like kick@ss says.

I wouldn't expect the performance to be that much better than current Pentium 4s unless Intel takes a page from AMD's book and uses an integrated memory controller on the processor itself, or otherwise made a revolutionary change to the P4 architecture (doubtful).