Via makes way for 64-bit chips

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Via playing catch up, eh?

Both Intel's and AMD's entire lineup of chips are all already 64 bit. AMD led the way with the Athlon 64, and Intel's Core 2 architecture is 64 bit. It's becoming hard to find a new computer that is not 64 bit.

Frankly, they're playing catch up - The two largest manufacturers went 64 bit a long time ago.

"For one thing, the chips can process instructions out of order, something chips from Intel and Advanced Micro Devices have done for years."

If this is true, then Via is very far behind! Out of order execution has been a part of mainstream microprocessor architecture since the Pentium Pro in 1995, and can even be traced as far back as the '60s. This is considered a basic, basic part of microprocessor design. If you can't keep power low with an out of order design, then you need to send your engineers back to school.

"Although 64-bit chips have been out for years, few consumers or even business users actually use 64-bit software on their desktops and notebooks. The several delays to Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system hurt the evolution of a 64-bit market."

Well, XP has a 64 bit version.

Problem is they're still making 32 bit the default. I was hoping that Vista would make 64 bit the default, but alas that never happened. It appears that 32 bit will continue to rule the market until more people start hitting the 4 GB (more realistically 3 GB) memory barrier.

I expect that to happen soon - already gamers and other power users are hitting the limit. It's only a matter of time before everybody else does.

Posted by: CobraA1   Posted on: 01/24/08 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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