The 64-bit Windows Argument

Windows done right | InfoWorld | Column | 2005-04-06 | By Tom Yager discusses the big selling point for 64-bit architecture - memory access. The PAE switch, required to access memory past 4GB on windows on 32-bit architectures, is a hack, and the column explains why in very good detail.

Today, I recommend to everyone thinking of bringing up a new database that they max out the memory on the box - RAM is cheap and is critical to database performance. If you're stuck in 2-year ago thinking that a gig of RAM is alot to ask for, and you should be happy with it, get over it :) And if you want more than 4 GB, this article will give you the ammunition to credibly recommend a 64-bit architecture.