32 Bit or 64 Bit?

[wolfgar]

Hello Everyone,

This is my 1st post, I lurk here from time to time. I am new to Linux, my son turned me on to Ultimate Edition. I like it better than any version I have tried and there has been a few.

Which version do you think I should use the 32 Bit or the 64 Bit version?

Here is my system specs:

CPU: AMD Athlonâ„¢ 64 3000+ Processor (2.0GHz, 512KB L2 cache, 1600MHz FSB)
System: eMachine W3400
Monitor: Acer AL2016WBbd Black 20" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 800:1
Chipset: ATI RS480 chipset
Memory: 2GB DDR 400 (2 × 1GB) SDRAM (PC3200) Maxed Out.
Expandable to 2GB
Hard Drive: 160 GB HDD
Optical Drive: 2 DVD±RW, 16x multiformat double layer drive
Media Reader: 8-in-1 digital media manager (Secure Digital™ (SD), Smart Media, Compact Flash, Micro Drive, Memory Stick®, Memory Stick PRO, Multimedia Card, USB 2.0)
Video: NVIDIA GeForce 8500 GT / 512 MB
Audio: Creative Labs Sound Blaster PCI-e X-Fi Xtreme Audio

I bought it for my son but he needed a new dual core computer for school, so I took his old computer.
What a great dad I am!
Well, today anyway.

Thanks for your assistance!

Wolfgar

[Baphomet]

I would try the 64-bit version first, using a LiveDVD, and see how that works out for you. If you need to you can always fall back on the 32-bit version. You have a 64-bit processor, might as well try a 64-bit OS to go along with it!

[SaddleTramp]

I would try the 64-bit version first, using a LiveDVD, and see how that works out for you. If you need to you can always fall back on the 32-bit version. You have a 64-bit processor, might as well try a 64-bit OS to go along with it!

OR.....split the hard drive and install both (dual boot) After a while when you figure which one you like best, drop the unchosen one, delete that partition and resize back to full drive (or install the next Ultimate Edition when it comes out)

[wolfgar]

I would try the 64-bit version first, using a LiveDVD, and see how that works out for you. If you need to you can always fall back on the 32-bit version. You have a 64-bit processor, might as well try a 64-bit OS to go along with it!

Thanks,
I will give it a try.

Wolfgar

[mrLRB]

I have Ultimate Edition x64 running on one of my relative's computers with no problems, and their setup is very similar to yours (also an eMachines), GOOD LUCK!!!

[deate]

Not that I know anything about this, but I would Google compatibility of your sound card with linux and the drivers required.

[wolfgar]

Not that I know anything about this, but I would Google compatibility of your sound card with linux and the drivers required.

I have not had any problems with the sound card it works with either x32 / x64.
Using the live cd's, I really can't tell that much difference in speed as well.
Thank you for your input.

[tbird]

Is there a noticeable difference between 32 & 64 using 2GB memory?

[Baphomet]

Is there a noticeable difference between 32 & 64 using 2GB memory?

Are you asking if there's a performance difference between using 32-bit and 64-bit, all other things being equal? In this case, that being a PC with 2GB of RAM?

While I've not done side-by-side comparisons, I can tell you that Ultimate v1.8 64-bit is undoubtedly the fastest OS I've ever run. To be honest with you, I think you'd have to have two machines sitting side-by-side (one running 64-bit the other 32-bit) to actually SEE the difference; but 64-bit, for me anyway, just seems "smoother" somehow, more responsive I guess. If you're running v1.8 32-bit, I wouldn't counsel you to reformat and reinstall JUST to go to 64-bit instead. Does that help at all?

[wolfgar]

Is there a noticeable difference between 32 & 64 using 2GB memory?

Are you asking if there's a performance difference between using 32-bit and 64-bit, all other things being equal? In this case, that being a PC with 2GB of RAM?

While I've not done side-by-side comparisons, I can tell you that Ultimate v1.8 64-bit is undoubtedly the fastest OS I've ever run. To be honest with you, I think you'd have to have two machines sitting side-by-side (one running 64-bit the other 32-bit) to actually SEE the difference; but 64-bit, for me anyway, just seems "smoother" somehow, more responsive I guess. If you're running v1.8 32-bit, I wouldn't counsel you to reformat and reinstall JUST to go to 64-bit instead. Does that help at all?

I believe that you have the correct answer to my issues. You could only tell by a side-by-side comparison.
You are correct, there is no need to reformat just to go 64-bit right now. I will wait on the new version 1.9
then reformat and install.

Thanks for your advice, you have been very helpful.

Wolfgar