A Taiwan based web-site reported a rumour claiming there is a possibility to enable 64-bit capability on Intel"s latest Pentium 4 microprocessors in LGA775 form-factor using a mainboard BIOS update. While the information may be correct, it is currently highly-unlikely that such operation will becomes popular.
"Lately there have been some rumours about some special BIOS that can "turn on" the 64-bit [capability] on the [Intel Pentium 4] "Prescott" processors. I have made some enquiries and it seems that there are works in progress [that] are still in "alpha" stage," a claim over the web-site OC WorkBench states.
Intel"s Extended Memory 64 Technology also known as 64-bit Extension Technology or IA32e lets Intel"s 90nm microprocessors for desktops, workstations, 2-way and 4/8-way servers to execute specially-written 64-bit code while maintaining absolute compatibility with today"s 32-bit applications.