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The Benefits of 64-bit Computing
Performance-hungry users, especially graphics artists, gamers, and video
editors are already snapping up 64-bit solutions. Even now, before just
as Windows operating systems designed for 64-bit processors are emerging,
the powerful CPUs are making waves.
The biggest difference between 64-bit processors and their 32-bit forefathers
is in the amount of data the processors can crunch at the same time.
Terminology like “32-bit” and “64-bit” doesn’t
refer to a size or a speed, but a bandwidth. The wider the bandwidth
is, the more data that can pass through the bus or chip at the same time.
64-bit processors can handle twice as much simultaneous data as 32-bit
processors.
Furthermore, 64-bit processors can address more memory than 32-bit predecessors.
Current 32-bit Intel and AMD processors can only address a maximum of
4 gigabytes of RAM; anything beyond that goes unused. Some 32-bit operating
systems, including Windows XP, can only handle 2 gigabytes of RAM. That
limit can be a nag for memory intensive applications like video editing
and 3D rendering. Furthermore, servers, such as application hosts, often
reach the limits of their memory before they strain other components
like their processors. Years ago, four gigabytes of RAM seemed like more
than anybody would ever use, but today it’s becoming a constraint.
(Lest we forget, at one time, a certain, famous Microsoft founder thought
that nobody would ever use more than 640K or RAM--but that’s beside
the point.)
New 64-bit processors can theoretically address up to 16 billion gigabytes,
or 16 exabytes, of memory. It’ll be a long time before motherboards,
operating systems, and memory modules emerge that approach a fraction
of that lofty height. In fact, current 64-bit processors aren’t
even designed to handle more than one terabyte of RAM. Furthermore, the
current Windows 2003 Server Enterprise Edition supports up to 64 gigabytes
of RAM.
Since 64-bit computers and operating systems can handle massive workloads
compared to 32-bit platforms, a 64-bit solution delivers a lower total
cost of ownership. Used with 64-bit software such as 64-bit databases,
64-bit servers can greatly increase productivity.
Intel’s
Solutions
The Itanium and Itanium 2 processors
are based around EPIC (Explicitly
Parallel
Instruction Computing), a 64-
bit processor instruction set.
It was
designed jointly by Intel and Hewlett
Packard, and is the basis
for IA-64,
Intel’s first 64-bit CPU architecture.
Intel is concentrating squarely
on the
server market with its 64-bit solution.
While the Itanium 2 will
run 32-bit
code in compatibility mode, it won’t
run it well. Think of it as a parallel to
how NT kernel-based Windows
operating systems (like Windows NT,
2000 and XP) run 16-bit code: they
do it begrudgingly, but they certainly
don’t excel at it.
Intel’s strategy isn’t to take on AMD’s
64-bit solutions
directly, but to attack
64-bit RISC based processors from
companies like
IBM and Sun. In fact,
benchmarks published by Intel
available through a
link on this page
(http://www.intel.com/products/server/
processors/server/itanium2/
index.htm) don’t even mention AMD-
they
only square off the Itanium 2
against the “best published RISC”
scores.
The Itanium 2 is designed to
run Windows Server 2003 for 64-Bit
Itanium-based
Systems, HP-UX,
Linux, and 64-bit applications and
tools. The Itanium 2
is available with
differing amounts of level 3 cache
(memory integrated
within the
processor’s die) and varying clock
Little information has been released about Itanium 2’s performance compared to Intel’s Xeon chips or AMD’s Opteron (its direct competitor in the server market).
As far as 64-bit solutions for the desktop, Intel isn’t embracing that market. It’s instead taking on the server market head-on. Whether that’s a wise decision still remains to be seen.
Intel’s Itanium 2 has proven to be a
disappointment running 32-bit code,
creating an industry vacuum that
AMD was quick to fill. Unlike Intel
processors with IA-64 architecture and
EPIC instruction sets, the AMD 64-bit
processors are designed around
AMD64, an architecture designed to
run 64-bit technology on the x86
platform. 64-bit computing to AMD isn’t
merely a server solution, but it also
extends to workstations, desktop and
mobile computers. Since user
interaction is a central part of such
computers, the conversion from 32-bit
to 64-bit computing has to be smooth;
a new 64-bit processor must run
32-bit operating systems and app-
lications with vigor, it must be
compatible with current operating
systems--in general, it must make the
conversion in baby steps, not
daunting leaps. AMD’s Athlon 64
chips, the Athlon 64, the Athlon 64 FX
and the Opteron, are designed to do
just that.
AMD did stumble out of the gate, but
only slightly. The Athlon 64 and the
Athlon FX families are only slightly
different, with the former housing a
64-bit memory controller and the latter
boasting a 128-bit controller.
However, performance-wise, AMD
trumped its own ace by releasing the
Athlon 64 3400+, which performs
similarly to the Athlon FX 51. The
winners are desktop and workstation
users, who demand performance at a
The Athlon 64 3400+ comes in at around $450, versus around $700 for the FX).
Meanwhile, AMD didn’t totally ignore the server market. Its Opteron processor family is designed with the enterprise in mind. Like Itanium 2, the Opteron is scalable for multiprocessor systems. It’s aimed at enterprise and high-end workstation markets. The Opteron processor line is comprised of three families: the 100 series for single-processor systems, the 200 series for single and dual-processor machines, and the 800 series that supports up to 8-way multiprocessing.
All of AMD’s 64-bit processors use Hypertransport, a high-speed data bus similar to a front-side bus. It’s a scaleable bus connecting the processor to I/O functions and other chipset features, compatible to existing technology and ready for future, high-speed data conduits. It’s PCI compatible, so it works with current operating systems and is ready for future OSes.
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