All present consumer CPUs are also capable of 32bit instructions, so don't worry about the processors. All of them, that are above 2GHz are fast enough.
It is the Operating system that matters for the compatibility, not the CPU. Here are the most significant marks:
+ Advantages of 32bit OS: uses less resources (RAM, HDD), runs the 32bit programs faster, complete compatibility and support of all programs (including сrаcks, еmulаtors, drivers, etc.)
- Disadvantages of 32bit OS (on opposite, advantages of 64bit OS): No support for any 64bit program, can't use more than 3 GB RAM, suffers more from viruses.
If you run 64bit program on a 64bit OS then the OS allows the program to address more RAM (compared to 32 bit program), meaning that if the 64bit program is properly made it skips the slow hard-drive, and puts all the data in the much faster RAM. That is an advantage for some 64bit versions of FEA programs (matrix operations), compared to their 32bit versions. But the case is mostly for very large number of finite elements. If the program fits its data in 2GB RAM, then there is no significant advantage of the 64bits.
On any 64bit OS the 32bit programs run in 'emulation environment', and from my test, one 32 bit program runs about 20% slower on Vista64 then on Vista32 (on the same computer).
I will recommend you to use 64bit OS if you know and realize what are the advantages of that. Else go to 32bit OS.
Avoid Windows Vista. Preferably XP, or Windows7. Ask for drivers for WinXP - most of the big brands offers such, but you should check, because it will be a problem to go back to WinXP if there are no proper drivers.
Go for a distinctive video adapter (AMD/Ati, Nvidia) if you plan to use 3D OpenGL programs, and games. In this case go back from Intel's integrated graphics (this is only suitable for 2D and video movies).
If you compare processors only - take in mind that in real life you'll never can feel less than a 20% difference between two processors, and you can't realize which one is faster if you compare. So don't let be fooled by the commercials! Choose using "speed/price" ratio, not "advertised speed". I think that a CPU at 2.5 GHz to be in the reasonable price range. If you go for something that is 100$ more, and 2.8 Ghz - it doesn't worth.
Assume this: if a calculation takes 60 seconds, then why you should pay 100$ for it to take 50 seconds? It really matters when you wait several hours. Then 20% less could make a difference that you are ready to pay. But for the real work of a civil engineer - you'll feel better to spent those 100$ with friends ;)
It is the Operating system that matters for the compatibility, not the CPU. Here are the most significant marks:
+ Advantages of 32bit OS: uses less resources (RAM, HDD), runs the 32bit programs faster, complete compatibility and support of all programs (including сrаcks, еmulаtors, drivers, etc.)
- Disadvantages of 32bit OS (on opposite, advantages of 64bit OS): No support for any 64bit program, can't use more than 3 GB RAM, suffers more from viruses.
If you run 64bit program on a 64bit OS then the OS allows the program to address more RAM (compared to 32 bit program), meaning that if the 64bit program is properly made it skips the slow hard-drive, and puts all the data in the much faster RAM. That is an advantage for some 64bit versions of FEA programs (matrix operations), compared to their 32bit versions. But the case is mostly for very large number of finite elements. If the program fits its data in 2GB RAM, then there is no significant advantage of the 64bits.
On any 64bit OS the 32bit programs run in 'emulation environment', and from my test, one 32 bit program runs about 20% slower on Vista64 then on Vista32 (on the same computer).
I will recommend you to use 64bit OS if you know and realize what are the advantages of that. Else go to 32bit OS.
Avoid Windows Vista. Preferably XP, or Windows7. Ask for drivers for WinXP - most of the big brands offers such, but you should check, because it will be a problem to go back to WinXP if there are no proper drivers.
Go for a distinctive video adapter (AMD/Ati, Nvidia) if you plan to use 3D OpenGL programs, and games. In this case go back from Intel's integrated graphics (this is only suitable for 2D and video movies).
If you compare processors only - take in mind that in real life you'll never can feel less than a 20% difference between two processors, and you can't realize which one is faster if you compare. So don't let be fooled by the commercials! Choose using "speed/price" ratio, not "advertised speed". I think that a CPU at 2.5 GHz to be in the reasonable price range. If you go for something that is 100$ more, and 2.8 Ghz - it doesn't worth.
Assume this: if a calculation takes 60 seconds, then why you should pay 100$ for it to take 50 seconds? It really matters when you wait several hours. Then 20% less could make a difference that you are ready to pay. But for the real work of a civil engineer - you'll feel better to spent those 100$ with friends ;)