64 bit computer running 32 bit OS?

[vrek]

Im buying a new AMD-64 computer tommorow. I have a bunch of distrubutions already but they are all the 32 bit versions. Will these still run on the 64 bit computer just not optimised? Will I see a large proformance drop verses a 64 bit OS? I plan on dual booting, WIll normal XP work?

[Fryguy8]

wow, please do some basic research on the athlon64 architecture.

Yes a64 will run 32-bit natively. Yes it runs much faster than comparably clocked athlon-xp chips in 32-bit. 64-bit is still pretty immature as a whole, so you won't see hardly any support for it.

[happybunny]

Yes, do research before you spend you money!

W2K/XP do not run on 64bit, unless of course you have the 64bit version, which is availible at a prise of course!

AMD chips support both types of apps, both 32bit and 64bit, something Itaniums dont do.

[Icarus]

Yes, a very quick search and you would of found (right on AMDs website (http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/ProductInformation/0,,30_118_9485_9487,00.html)) that it supports "32- and 64-bit simultaneous computing"

[blobaugh]

Wow, lock this thread

--Moderator--
OK