Replies to post #21258 on Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[sgolds]

kpf, Windows64 for AMD64: This is available as a Beta. It is not for sale individually, the best way to get it is if you have an MSDN subscription (or know someone who has it). You can then download the binary (fast internet connection highly recommended) and make a CD or install from your hard disk.

The best way to get drivers is to hope they are in the Beta package. Here is how I would proceed:

1. Make sure all your hardware is installed and running under the delivered WindowsXP, including WiFi.

2. Do you want Linux also? AFAIK, Fips does not work on NTFS, but supposedly Partition Magic ( http://www.powerquest.com ) and Bootit Next Generation ( http://www.terabyteunlimited.com ) purport to work. (I never tried either product.) Shrink your partition to leave enough space for giving Linux its own partition, and then verify that everything still works as it should (at least, run chkdsk on the reduced partition).

Now, Linux can mount NTFS but it is not recommended to run Linux from NTFS. Best to mount the NTFS partition under Linux from some mount point under root so that you can share files. (This is one-sided, of course, since Windows won't read Linux.) Note that you can partition the larger part of the disk for Windows because you can use the mounted NTFS volume for much of your Linux stuff (certainly data, maybe applications if you are feeling brave).

3. OK, get access to a Beta copy of 64-bit WindowsXP for AMD64.

4. Install Win64 to a different directory on the NTFS partition. It should automatically set up as a dual boot.

5. Now boot into Win64 and bring up the device manager. Any yellow question marks? If so, it may be difficult to find these drivers. Good luck! I don't know if Windows Update works for AMD64 yet, but try that. You can ask the manufacturers, they may be willing to give you a pre-release driver (you may have to go through a few hoops).

In any case, by following these directions you have a working 32-bit WindowsXP still doing its thing on your machine. You can upgrade to new drivers as they become available, and still work with 64-bit Windows for fun (and games, if optimized video drivers work).

Now you can download and your favorite AMD64 Linux. SuSE, of course, has been available for a while; I think Red Hat may be out already, but I am not sure. Download the distribution under Windows (it is several CD image files), create your CDs, and you are ready to install.