Planeshift and 64 bit Processor

[kbilik]

Are there any plans to make planeshift take advantage of the increased capability that 64 bit processors offer?

Seeing that Planeshift is a pre-alpha demo right now, it might be easier to implement at this stage. What do you guys/gals think?

[Xandria]

64-bit processing is something that I doubt the Planeshift devs will worry about.  The code they have to write most likely won\'t be helped by 64-bit processing.

However, the folks over at the CrystalSpace project are probably taking a look at it.  You could try asking them  

[Niber]

I don\'t know.. Some ppl say 64-bits processing is the future of gaming while some says it will still be just 3d-rendering and stuff.

[Xordan]

It would be really nice, as I\'m getting one.  

[dorbian]

then thay should create a 32 and a 64 bit game but 32 runs on 64 if i\'m right so what\'s the use by creating 2 versions of the same game....

[kbilik]

They won\'t have to make 2 games... just make it a feature. Like you know when you can turn on shading and anti-aliasing or leave it off if your system can\'t handle it. Same thing here. It will have to be compatible with 32 bit, but offer the option to switch to 64 bit mode if you have the right chip.

Although I have a feeling that it\'s not as easy to do as that. Any experts  ?(

[Xandria]

Originally posted by Niber
I don\'t know.. Some ppl say 64-bits processing is the future of gaming while some says it will still be just 3d-rendering and stuff.

It\'s hard to tell.  Basically, from what I understand, the only way 64-bit processing helps is when it comes to crunching big numbers.  If it is going to revolutionize gaming, it will probably only be in the field of 3D engines (like CrystalSpace).  My guess would be that you could download either a 32-bit or 64-bit version of CrystalSpace, and either one would be compatible with Planeshift.

But even still, don\'t everyone go out and spend a ton of money on a 64-bit processor on the false assumption that it\'s twice as fast as 32-bit processors.  This is DEAD WRONG!  I just don\'t want people to start complaining about how it\'s barely faster than 32-bit.

For those of you that need a new processor (like me) anyway, you might want to wait for 64-bit so that you can take advantage of whatever new features they offer.  But keep in mind, it will take awhile for companies to start utilizing it.  And again, it will mostly have to do with graphic imaging and 3d rendering.  Unless you do a lot with these these kind of programs, you won\'t even notice a difference with 64-bit.

Disclaimer: This is only what I understand of 64-bit processing, and I could be way off the mark.  If you want to get specifics, look for a credible website.

[Dameon]

Some people think that 64 bit is not even going to come around... just all hyper-threading capabilities.

[Xandria]

Well considering Intel and AMD are both already working on 64-bits, it seems highly likely that the\'ll be around sooner or later.

And if I recall, I think some computers manufactured by Silicon Graphics have 128-bit processors.  8o

[Auran]

64 bit will help but howmany will need it? I wont. My souped up Athlon works fine for me. Just go on adding cooling devices and overclock (My computer doesn\'t even look like a computer any more:D.). Most of the times a RAM addition does more wonders than a processor change. And it is wiser to wait a year after a processor is released before buying one. That way you\'ll get a tested and cheap processor. I have observed that it is always better to buy penultimate technology. Sure your computer illiterate friend might have  a faster \'puter than ya but it isn\'t the speed that matters, its how you use it;). Besides you\'ll be laughing when you by his same system a year later at half the price .

[Dameon]

I just read something online about 64 bit and hyper threading together are going to become commonplace.

[Vengeance]

A good way to think about how many \"bits\" your processor is is like the cylinders in your car engine.  A 12 cylinder engine is huge and probably fast, but Formula 1 cars are 4 cylinders and faster than 12 cylinder jaguars.

While I\'m at it, I\'ll extend the analogy:

RPM in a car engine is kind of like how many GHz your processor is.  A car might redline at 8000 RPM and another car at 9000 RPM, but that doesn\'t mean the 9000 RPM car is faster.  They are somewhat correlated, but not exactly.

Thus systems can be judged in general by how many RPM they run at, and how many cylinders their engines have, but that is not the final determinant of which is faster or better.

- Venge

[Xandria]

That\'s a great way of putting it, thanks for helping out Venge

[kbilik]

Originally posted by Vengeance
A good way to think about how many \"bits\" your processor is is like the cylinders in your car engine.  A 12 cylinder engine is huge and probably fast, but Formula 1 cars are 4 cylinders and faster than 12 cylinder jaguars.
- Venge

Well, not exactly. If you want your game to lack substance and simply be designed for raw speed, 32 bit high end is the way to go (like that 4 cylinder).

If you chose the Jaguar with it\'s extra room, luxury, substance, space, and all that, you have to look toward a robust engine with 64 bit support (like the 12 cylinder). The trend of 64 bit processing is going to pick up dramatically in about 5 years as many experts have said. So if Planeshift might go commercial by then, why not make it take advantage of the 64 bit platforms? What harm can it do?

Remember, you want quality and sheer open scope over being very good at just one area (i.e. speed).

[Vengeance]

This extension of the metaphor makes no sense.  Lamborghini\'s are built for raw speed and have no comforts and they have V-12 engines.

Your point about 64-bit engines being dominant in 5 years is excellent though.  Let\'s revisit this topic then.

- Venge