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Re: st: optimal configuration for windows 32/64
Is it really necessary to work under windows?
For my little experience with computing I think for many of the things
you will get from your Machine you are better served with Linux for
64bit. There are a lot of software available for you and for free and
ready to take full advantage of the 64 bit.
It may take time to learn a lot of it but in the end you do see the
difference.
Orvalho J Augusto
Statalist wrote:
I just wanted to add a little something to Dave's email below
You can always try XP PRO 64bit for free. Microsoft allows a trial
period of 180 days I think. It is easy to install on a separate disk
partition and see if it grows on you
That's what I did because I was having problems with XP PRO 32 issues
with contiguous memory (which do not exist now with Vista)
Dave is right in that not all drivers are instantly available but with
some fiddling on line you can usually find what you need
Most software (but not all) would still run in compatibility mode even
if they are not specifically designed for 64bit machines
However, to gain the full benefits you will need a 64 version of Stata.
You can buy an extra licence for the 64bit version which to install in
the partition where you run the XP PRO 64 bit
Also, I totally agree with Dave's advice on the machine to go for
(especially on graphics cards). I just wanted to add that, looking at
Stata's website, the advantages of having a MP machine largely depend on
what you do with your data. For instance, it looks like the gains in
speed are very limited even with a quad core if you run an xtabond,
twostep (http://www.stata.com/statamp/report.pdf). I would be interested
to know what other users think of this aspect
Hope this helps
Bob
As you probably already know 64 bit Windows machines can access far
more memory that their 32 bit counterparts.
And since Stata places data in memory, this is an important advantage
if you wish to analyze huge data sets. But there currently are
disadvantages. If my understanding is correct, many standard programs
now won't work in a 64 bit machine, although this situation probably
will gradually improve. It follows that if you plan to use the
machine in question only with a few specialty programs like Stata, and
you wish to analyze extremely large data sets, than a 64 bit machine
probably is a good idea, but you should buy a lot of memory to benefit
of the one major advantage offered by this choice.
As far as speed is concerned, I know of two options. Particularly if
you are buying thru an academic or a governmental account (but I'm not
sure about Dell discounts for non US governments), you can get a good
price on a workstation from Dell. I have a four core processor Dell
machine that seems to be faster than the standard consumer boxes with
a strong chip and I only had to spend a bit more than what you plan to
spend.
Another option is to get a middle range box designed for computer
gamers. These machines are fast, but I wouldn't let them sell you a
computer with fancy paint or other unnecessary items. Also if you
only want to use such a machine for data analysis, be sure to
economize on the graphics card. Gamer machines come with expensive
cards that you won't need for data analysis.
I'd be interested in other thoughts on this issue by people on this list.
Dave Jacobs
At 08:50 PM 2/7/2008, you wrote:
Dear all
I have been searching the statalist archives looking for advice on
optimal configuration to run stata in a windows 32 bit and in a
windows 64 bit environments, but I did not got a clear answer to my
queries.
I need to work with census data uploading into memory about 2
gigabites of data. My questions are the following
1. should I go for windows 64 instead of windows 32?
2. If I go for a Microsoft 64 OS, would I notice a performance
improvement if i switch from a stata 32bit to stata 64bit?
2. Any advice about the best processor around? I have around US$ 4000
to spend in a computer that can allow me to work at reasonable speeds
with a census database.
I appreciate your help
Julio
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