Re: st: optimal configuration for windows 32/64

[David Jacobs <jacobs.184@sociology.osu.edu>]

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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