old comp

[Shannon]

I disagree. Current software today doesn't really even support 64 bit architecture and most of the time it would be running in compatibility mode for 32 bit processing (If you were using the FX-55, for example). There's no real advantage to buying a 64 bit processor when most of today's programs are still only 32 bit compatible. Is Longhorn supposed to be 64-bit though? I haven't done much reading on that. I'm only speaking from current standards, of course.

Current software, yes. Buying 64-bit basically just futureproofs you. Buying a 32-bit CPU now means you'll just need an upgrade soon anyway. You may as well put that money towards a 64-bit CPU (an entry level Athlon 64 is cheaper than a 32-bit P4 of the same performance) and motherboard.

 

[Matrixhasu77]

Longhorn should be 64-bit, if I am not mistaken. I don't see why you would want to buy a 32-bit CPU when 32-bit CPUs are practically on death row. Why buy obsolete hardware?

True. I recently bought an Athlon XP 3000+ though. I'm not ready to switch to 64-bit processors because I can't really afford it at this point. I know I'll eventually buy one though. The only reason I bought that processor is because I did not feel like spending money on a new motherboard/processor combination yet.