Availability and Value
Major vendors AMD and Intel offer a broad range of x64 processors, and both OEMs and system builders are shipping x64 systems that range from enthusiast desktop and laptop machines all the way up to 4-way multiprocessor server machines. With the release of the x64 Editions of Windows, 64-bit is ready to become the mainstream of computing.
By the end of 2005, virtually all new server class machines shipping will be 64-bit. Adoption at the general consumer level will be slower, but the majority of new PCs and workstations will be 64-bit by the end of 2006.
The current price of x86 and x64 processor server class machines is essentially identical, making the choice of an x64-capable processor the clear preference, even for those companies that expect to run 32-bit versions of Windows Server.
Enthusiast- and workstation-level machines and processors are also essentially identically priced for both x64 and x86 architectures, making x64 the smart choice for this end of the consumer space. Lower end consumer x86 processors and computers are still significantly cheaper than x64 machines and will continue to be the mainstream choice for the most cost-conscious consumers. As the price differential at this end of the market drops in the next year, we will see significant uptake of x64 even in the broad consumer space.
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