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My concern is if obsolescence is a factor with a 32 bit processor, if
future software will be written for 64 bit machines. This is a mid-level
workstation used for mechanical CAD and other business apps. The OS would be
XP Pro. The CAD software companies are not providing much info on 64 bit
other than to say the advantage now is it will support 4 GB RAM, which I
don't need. Typically the "full-time" useful life for this type machine is
about 3 yrs, after which time it could be used for less intensive work. I
use two CAD packages, and one has been optimized for AMD the other for the
P4, so overall performance-wise it is a wash.

TIA

"Edge" <> wrote in
news:9aNtc.4580$_:

> The CAD software companies are not providing much info on 64 bit
> other than to say the advantage now is it will support 4 GB RAM, which
> I don't need. Typically the "full-time" useful life for this type
> machine is about 3 yrs, after which time it could be used for less
> intensive work. I use two CAD packages, and one has been optimized
> for AMD the other for the P4, so overall performance-wise it is a
> wash.
>

The Athlon 64 (aside from being able to run 64-bit programs) also has an
onboard memory controller, which speeds things up regardless of if it is a
64-bit program or not.

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Obsolescence of the 32 bit computing platform is absolutely not an issue.
You have no cause for concern whatsoever.

"Edge" <> wrote in message
news:9aNtc.4580$_...
> My concern is if obsolescence is a factor with a 32 bit processor, if
> future software will be written for 64 bit machines. This is a mid-level
> workstation used for mechanical CAD and other business apps. The OS would
be
> XP Pro. The CAD software companies are not providing much info on 64 bit
> other than to say the advantage now is it will support 4 GB RAM, which I
> don't need. Typically the "full-time" useful life for this type machine
is
> about 3 yrs, after which time it could be used for less intensive work. I
> use two CAD packages, and one has been optimized for AMD the other for the
> P4, so overall performance-wise it is a wash.
>
> TIA
>
>
>
>