M Harris wrote:
> On Monday 14 May 2007 22:28, Randall R Schulz wrote:
>   
>>> otherwise).  So then, if there is no speed advantage, what's the
>>> point in even having a 64 bit processor right now?
>>>       
>> Addressing large virtual address spaces and / or installing large
>> amounts of physical RAM.
>>
>> If you don't need one or both of these things, it's just overhead
>> without payback.
>>     
>       Although the analogy is going to be a little contrived, its something 
> like 
> the concept of cylinders in an internal combustion engine... there were cars 
> made back in the 30s-50s with 10, 12, and 16 cylinders...   but due to 
> harmonics, balance, and other issues (8) seems to be the best (optimum) 
> number of cylinders.  von Neumann processors are going to be similar... my 
> gut feeling is that 32 bit width is going to be optimum and that 64 bit is 
> the beginning of the end of no returns. I mean if PCs really ever do need to 
> have more than 4gig of real storage/virtual storage then.. .maybe.  

Need, I don't think so, but remember, computers or government, what is
spent rises as a rate that quickly eats up any surplus and then some.

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