Sort of, Semi, but I think you are missing the drift here. :))
I THINK that intel does not want a 86-64 bit windows operating system right now. Or if you prefer, does not mind not having a 64 bit windows operating system right now.
I Think that they want the comparisons to be made at 32 bits.
I think that 64 bit extensions speed up 32 bit programs in certain instances like data retrieval.
I think that intel thinks that 86-64 bit extensions speed up Xeons by 30% at 32 bit.
I think that intel thinks that the battle ground for Opterons is at 32 bits.
I think that intel thinks that simply having 86-64 bit potentential in the chip will freeze purchases of Opterons based solely on their 86-64 bit capabilities.
AND THAT THE BATTLE WILL BE STAGED AT THE 32 bit level.
Pretty cool, huh?