Compiling MAME 64bit process questions

[markronz]

So I am compiling MAME 152.  I am obviously following this great guide.    I have two questions, which I am hoping won't be too hard to answer.

This is from my arcade machine computer:


I am running the MAME Compiler program.   Should I be checking the 64 bit Processor checkbox or not?


I know that my Windows XP I am using is 32bit.  But my processor is an AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5600+.  Doesn't that 64 in the processor's name mean, that it's 64 bit?

So Question #1:
Should I be checking the "64 bit Processor" checkbox or not?


Next, I am wondering what to choose in the "Optimize for" dropbox.  These are the options:

So Question #2:
Based on my processor being a "AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5600" what should I choose in that box?  Athlon XP?   I would pick auto detect but I am not compiling mame on the computer that will ultimately use it.

If anyone could help me out, I'd really appreciate it!  Thanks!

[markronz]

So I think found the answers to my questions myself.  I found this list of AMD Athlon 64 processors on wikipedia.  And since I have a AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5600 looks like in the "Optimize for" box I should then be picking AMD 64.  Not sure how I missed that before.

Then for the second question about the "64-bit processor" I was questioning if that should only be checked if I was using Windows 64 bit.  So it was a windows vs processor question.   But it says right there 64-bit processor it does not say 64-bit Windows.   So I'm going to go ahead and check that box, along with Dual Core as well, since my processor says right in the name that it's Dual Core.

So I think I'm set.  If you guys think I'm wrong on any of that, let me know!

[Paul Olson]

I would say don't optimize for 64 bit if you are not running the 64 bit version of Windows. You will get better performance in MAME though if you use a 64 bit OS.

[markronz]

Yeah I'm thinking before I get too far, I might want to change over to a 64bit OS instead.   Any recommendations on a slightly less bloated x64 Windows OS to use?   I assume I'd have to go with something like Win7 x64 bit?  I used to use TinyXP, is there a Win7 equivalent for that sort of thing that's 64 bit?

[EMDB]

I would say don't optimize for 64 bit if you are not running the 64 bit version of Windows. You will get better performance in MAME though if you use a 64 bit OS.

You can't run a 64 bit application on 32 bits Windows even if the processor is 64 bits...

[markronz]

Yeah, going to get a 64bit OS.  Just wondering if anyone is aware of any "Tiny" 64bit windows builds at all?

[404]

Yeah, going to get a 64bit OS.  Just wondering if anyone is aware of any "Tiny" 64bit windows builds at all?

I wouldn't bother. There was one lite build of xp x64 floating around the interwebz but they completely botched the WGA. You couldn't activate or anything even if you had a legit key. After a few days the install just locks up.

[markronz]

OK.  Guess I will just find a full size Win 7 64 bit OS to use then, and just forget about the "Lite" part of things.  Thanks.

[404]

OK.  Guess I will just find a full size Win 7 64 bit OS to use then, and just forget about the "Lite" part of things.  Thanks.

I think there is a lite version of Win7 x64 out there. I just never tried it though.

I personally use XP X64 but each person has their own personal tastes.