Processor Data Width

[parttimetechie]

I see this all the time on CPU chips. Does it have anything to do with 64bit 32bit OS or is it something completely different?

As I understand it, a 64 bit chip will always work with a 32 bit operating system. Is that logic correct?

Also, I am looking into a computer build with RAM capabilities of Memory Speeds Supported DDR3-2200, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1066, DDR3-800. I am planning to use Memory Speed DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800). I assume this will work, although not as fast as it possibly could?


Thanks

 

[meanderer]

As far as x86 architecture is concerned, yes. the current 64 bit chips are 32bit code compatible. which means you can load 32 bit operating systems on these computers. It has been going on for years.
You can use faster rated memory and have them run at slower speeds, these will work in MOST cases but not all. RAM sticks have SPD data in it that dictates what speed they are to be run at. I have seen faster chips with slower SPD data missing, which means the computer doesn't know how to run it at the slower spec. That stick of ram didn't work in my Dell laptop but worked in my Acer.

But... why are you asking these anyway? These are pretty basic knowledge for a tech -_-;;;

 

[parttimetechie]

Just like to make sure I have my facts stright in my head when I try to explain it to the customer. I have a grasp on this stuff on things I work with really well, but its a limited scope if that makes sense.

I knew the RAM would slow down to the nesecary speeds, but I am a firm believer in seeing things match up on paper.

Thanks so much for your help. You guys are a great resource.

 

[meanderer]

well, just don't sound too "noob" cuz we seem to have an anti-noob atmosphere here hehe. The forum is intended for techs after all XD.

We are in a transitional period here between 64bit CPU and 32bit CPU here, so you will see these being mixed up a lot. CPU manufacturers has put in a lot of work to make sure their 64bit parts will work with 32bit systems, and they do. If the computer is anywhere recent it will be 64bit capable. The only exception I have seen so far would be Intel's Atom line.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Atom

There are other data widths concerning other components but they are much less relevent than CPU vs OS versions.

 

[parttimetechie]

Ya, I'm def not a newbie as far as technical work, but usually I am working with systems I KNOW worked fine together at one time, its a bit harder when I am trying to put all the parts together myself.

Nice to know 32 and 64 bit can cooperate, personaly I have had nothing but issues with 64 bit systems, they just seem to be more of a headache than you can possibly gain out of the performance.

 

[shamrin]

Nice to know 32 and 64 bit can cooperate, personaly I have had nothing but issues with 64 bit systems, they just seem to be more of a headache than you can possibly gain out of the performance.

Windows 7 64-bit has changed the 64-bit problems that you saw with Vista and XP. There are plenty of drivers and I have seldom run into issues with any software not liking the 64-bit environment. Don't expect any speed improvement whatsoever, the main practical difference is that you can use a lot more RAM.

 

[meanderer]

oh? I find it easier to put new stuff together than to troubleshoot old ones lol.

just remember this compatibility only goes 1 way, and that is 64bit CPU with 32bit OS. You can't fit 64bit OS with a 32bit only CPU.

also for windows 7 and vista, 64bit version has higher memory demand. so if you are building PC for clients, get 2GB Ram or above for 64bit, anything lower should use 32bit.

 

[parttimetechie]

Ya, I know it only goes one way.

What does 8GB of RAM do vs 4GB of RAM? Ive never seen much of an improvement.

I guess part of the problem with 64bit OS is the fact that a lot of my hardware doesn't work, like scanners and wireless devices.

 

[meanderer]

from my own experience, anything above 4GB is pretty much wasted for most applications
I run some Office and Starcraft 2 on a i7 930 with 6GB ram. system never used all 6GB ram.
If you run Photoshop and Premire, then maybe you need more ram. Otherwise just 4GB is good for the vast majority.

 

[parttimetechie]

Ya, thats kinda what I figured. My client won't be using Photoshop or playing online games, so I think 4GB is good