I have a 64 bits dualcore processor, what does it do?

[chimpmunk]

Okay so I bought my computer months ago, it's a pretty standard acer bundle (your usual desktop computer) and I knew I had a dualcore but always thought I had 32bit processors but after taking a "can you run it" test of systemrequirementslabs.com I learned I had a AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4000+.

So I have a 64 bits processor, then I guess I can run 64bits apps and OS's but my real question is: For the average PC user (like me), what does it entail? Does that make my cpu "better" or something?

EDIT: It also says: "2.09 GHz Performance Rated at 6.00 GHz", what does that mean? My cpu is overclocked?

 

[AtomicSpark]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/64-bit

In short, it allows memory over 3-4 GB (depending on which operating system you use), and programs that run in 64-bit nativity, will run faster. Maybe. It's more future proofing then anything else.

 

[chimpmunk]

Googling on the topic, I found out that from EP2 onwards, source games are taking advantage of multicore computers, good news for me.

 

[Dekstar]

Unfortunately Acers (getting my information from the fact that I have an Acer laptop with a 64-bit processor but 32-bit OS) generally run 32-bit OS'. This is because there still seem to be driver problems with 64-bit Vista. If you're running a 32-bit OS then your dualcore processor will still work fine, but it won't be running in 64-bit.

 

[DreamThrall]

for most everyday tasks, you will not notice a difference running a 64-bit OS vs 32-bit. the dual cores should help you a bit though

 

[Asus]

32bits is safe and performs the same in most software that desktop users have. Only move to a 64bit OS if you need to use 4GB of RAM or know your application would get a boost in 64bit all while knowing you may have to overcome a driver issue or two.

EDIT: It also says: "2.09 GHz Performance Rated at 6.00 GHz", what does that mean? My cpu is overclocked?

It is what it is. A 2.09GHz AMD 64bit cpu. Ignore the marketing info like that.

It used to be that Intel had the Pentium 4 CPU that was clocked a lot higher than AMD cpus but performed in the same ball park and not higher. So AMD made their CPU model names look like Intel GHz for marking so customers wouldn't think they were slower (rightfully so). An AMD 2GHz cpu would have performed the same as a 3.2GHz Intel Pentium 4. And so AMD named that CPU a 3200+ so people understood that it performed similar to the 3.2GHz intel (3200 MHz). But that is history and people don't buy Pentium 4s anymore so ignore that marketing talk now. Has nothing to do with current AMD or Intel CPUs.

 

[Kadayi]

The only downside to 64 bit Vista is that some v.old software won't run under it (goodbye monkey Island), though more often than not that's an install issue. However if you want to future proof your PC it's worth installing the 64 bit edition.

 

[Fliko]

Don't need to futureproof your PC by installed 64 bit, you can install it whenever, and it's been around forever, and still hasn't been used much!

Only go 64 bit if you need the 4 GBs or more of RAM, but chances are you don't.

 

[chimpmunk]

32bits is safe and performs the same in most software that desktop users have. Only move to a 64bit OS if you need to use 4GB of RAM or know your application would get a boost in 64bit all while knowing you may have to overcome a driver issue or two.It is what it is. A 2.09GHz AMD 64bit cpu. Ignore the marketing info like that.

It used to be that Intel had the Pentium 4 CPU that was clocked a lot higher than AMD cpus but performed in the same ball park and not higher. So AMD made their CPU model names look like Intel GHz for marking so customers wouldn't think they were slower (rightfully so). An AMD 2GHz cpu would have performed the same as a 3.2GHz Intel Pentium 4. And so AMD named that CPU a 3200+ so people understood that it performed similar to the 3.2GHz intel (3200 MHz). But that is history and people don't buy Pentium 4s anymore so ignore that marketing talk now. Has nothing to do with current AMD or Intel CPUs.

And one last question, do I have two 2.09 ghz cpu's, (making it somewhat 4ghz or two useable 2.09 ghz cores) or is the sum of my two cpu's 2.09 ghz?

 

[Operational]

The only downside to 64 bit Vista is that some v.old software won't run under it (goodbye monkey Island)

http://www.dosbox.com/
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/virtualpc/default.mspx

 

[DreamThrall]

And one last question, do I have two 2.09 ghz cpu's, (making it somewhat 4ghz or two useable 2.09 ghz cores) or is the sum of my two cpu's 2.09 ghz?

it's not like having one 4ghz processor - it's like having two 2.09 ghz processors. The advantage is that applications can't tie up your entire processor, because your OS will load balance between the two cores, allowing you to do lots of multitasking. So for example, if you're ripping a CD, that would happen on one core, and then you could still browse the web without the encoding process slowing your computer down.

 

[chimpmunk]

All right, I just was scared that I had two 1ghz cores that made a 2.09ghz total. Thanks everyone, now I feel like I know my computer better.

 

[Fliko]

Some games will make use of both cores of the processor, most newer games have this support.

 

[chimpmunk]

I hope spore does.