True 64-bit machines?

itdaddy

Hey techies.

To me a true 64-machine has three requiremenst to be a true 64-bit machine.

1. 64 bit cpu
2. 64 bit FSB
3. 64-bit OS


what else do you need to qualify a machine to be 64 bit?
And can some machines be 64 bit processor but not a true 64-bit machines?
I guess what I am asking in regards to above is more in relation to what components of hardware do you need to be a True 64 bit machine. I realize the OS is important.
But this in regards to loading Exchange 2007. I hear it needs a true 64-bit hardware.
which i thought allyou need is cpu and FSB to be true 64 bit? Any other hardware?


just need someone expert advise.

thanks in advance!

JDMurray

Well, you need to look at the software's requirements to determine what type of 64-bit operating system is needed. If Exchange 2007 must run on a 64-bit version of Windows Server 2003, then whatever hardware is acceptable to that OS is your "true 64-bit hardware." My guess is that any software advertised to require "true 64-bit hardware" is itself a "true 64-bit application," and therefore can't directly run on a 32-bit machine.

remyforbes777

I don't know if my FSB is 64 bit, probably not, but I run Debian etch 64 bit on a AMD 64 bit Turion.

itdaddy

hey remyforbes777 and jdmurray


I just thought if you had:
64 bit processor you would think you would have a 64 bit FSB wouldnt you?
what would be the point of bottlenecking??? but i have heard of 64 bit CPU
with 32 bit fsb somewhere. very hard to find Documenation on this
cause so many anomolies out there. But to me
a true 64 bit machine is:

1. cpu 64bit
2. fsp 64 bit
3. 0S 64 bit

and then add exchange 2007 which is 64 bit application.

just thought there might be more than what i think defines true 64 bit.
thanks dudes.

(i like this look)

JDMurray

The size of the FSB is not tied to the size of the registers in the CPU, so you can have any size FSB (e.g., 32-bit, 64-bit, 128-bit) used by a 64-bit CPU. The size of the FSB is determined by the Northbridge/Southbrige chipset used. I also believe that the BSB must be the same size as the CPU registers.