Should you jump into the 64 bit processor world?

I recently wanted to build a new personal desktop for my home office. Yes, I know, for what I spent I could by a nice laptop, but I want to say I built it and moreover be able to fix it if something goes wrong. I started out with the lofty goal of a dual core 64 bit killer machine, but gave way to a more practical single proc configuration.

This article is not about what I used and why, I'll save that for another day. What I wanted to let you know is what to expect if you venture out on to this new 64 bit landscape with me.

I don't have all the answers, but here is what I have learned.

First of all I had access to the new WindowsXp x64 version through my MSDN subscription. So after I collected all the parts I proceeded blindly into the setup process.

Problem #1 – SATA drivers not in Windows x64 distribution. They were not hard to find, but not expecting this, I at first doubted my skill and luck as a PC builder. However a quick call to my son who does this kind of stuff for a living, he assured me that a couple of keystrokes at the right place in the setup and a floppy with the drivers, it would not be a problem.

Problem #2 – What floppy, I got no stinking floppy! Yes, that’s right this was going to be the third PC in a row that I build without a floppy drive. It was late on a Saturday evening at this point so I had to cannibalize an old system for a floppy drive. Looks like I am going to have to buy one because I will need one to flash my motherboard BIOS too.

Problem #3 – Yes, Dorothy, this is not your old 32 bit system and those old outdated 32 bit device drivers will not work. Not so big a deal to begin with because the VIA chipset site has all the drivers AND they are all in the x64 install except the pesky SATA driver. However other devices may be a problem. I use a couple of Line6 USB products with my guitar and Line6 does not have 64 bit versions of the drivers and can not or will not say when they will.

However overall I am very happy with my new killer system. My Line6 stuff does not work yet, but I will pester them until they get the drivers out.

My biggest piece of advice is to carefully research the availability of 64 bit device drivers before you must depend on that system to use your favorite card or USB device.