Desktop
by ghstinshll
by thechas
First, 64 bit systems are at least an order of magnitude more complex (costly) than 32 bit systems.
While the data buss is only twice as wide, all the support hardware needs have increased exponentially.
Historically, each bus width increase hascome with an upfront high cost for the early adapters.
Secondly, it is an issue of scale.
The higher the manufactured volume, the lower the unit cost.
Eventually, as more systems cross over to 64 bit, the cost will come down, and eventually be nearly the same as the comparable 32 bit system.
Chas
by cordacomp
My question was not why a 64 bit system costs more but if it really was justified.
How can I suggest a $ 200,000 E4500 when you can get the same performace from a $ 75,000 Xeon based Proliant. Don't you find it bizarre that on tpc.org the top performers are Xeon based servers, yes with a huge number of CPUs, but still cheaper.
Also, what about upgrading costs?
by thechas
99.5% of users do not need or use 50% of the performance of there systems be it home PCs or networks.
80% want the "state-of-the-art" if they can afford it.
10% to 20% are willing to pay whatever premium is necessary to have the state of the art.
Computer manufactures have learned to use the "gulability" of the high end user to fund the research that brings us the new systems every 6 months.
So, no there is no justification for spending the extra money for high end systems.
The cost itself, is somewhat justified by understanding that the first 3 months or so sales of new systems need to pay the entire development costs.
Chas
by paulo540
When comaparing the differences between 64 and 32 bit, one needs to take multiple variables into account. One; the initial price of the 64 bit unit. 64 bit proccessors have been out since 95 or so since the Alpha. Very fast yes. Two; available software. The 64 bit software market is few and far between. The ones that are available are excruciatingly expensive. There are converters that will to allow you to run 32 bit software on a 64 bit machine. However, the reasons for doing so are beyond my realm of understanding. What it all comes down to is your need for speed.
I would go with the standard 32 bit systems. Most businesses I know of seem to manage.
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