CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

[Zebu Fellenz]

Hi,

My new base HTPC arrived a few days ago. It came with an install of Windows Xp x64. Are their any real advantages of running 64 bit windows on a HTPC. The cpu is an AMD 64 4800+ X2. So far my only real problem has been no drivers for a few external devices I use (ATi Remote Wonder).

I was thinking that I could install 32 bit windows along side and then compare the two and pick the better. If anyone has a suggestion I would be glad to hear it.

Thanks,

Erik

[AnalogRocks]

When I did my research I had the choice of Linux, Win98, XP 32 bit or XP 64 bit. I wanted the most compatability for HTPC use and secondary for gaming. My processor of choice was the AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400 939 Dual core. I was woried that the 32 bit OS wouldn't run right. So I researched all the devices I intended to use and figured out which OS was mose supported. Seem's the 32 bit XP was the OS of choice.

I say if you have a copy of XP 32 or Vista 32 laying around set up the dual boot and see if you can get all your devices working with it. SO far as I'm concerned I don't care what OS is on the box as long as it does what I need it too. There may be a 'cool' factor to the 64 bit OSes but if the 32 bit does exactly what you need and the 64 doens't then scrap the 64.

[AnalogRocks]

When I did my research I had the choice of Linux, Win98, XP 32 bit or XP 64 bit. I wanted the most compatability for HTPC use and secondary for gaming. My processor of choice was the AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400 939 Dual core. I was woried that the 32 bit OS wouldn't run right. So I researched all the devices I intended to use and figured out which OS was mose supported. Seem's the 32 bit XP was the OS of choice.

I say if you have a copy of XP 32 or Vista 32 laying around set up the dual boot and see if you can get all your devices working with it. SO far as I'm concerned I don't care what OS is on the box as long as it does what I need it too. There may be a 'cool' factor to the 64 bit OSes but if the 32 bit does exactly what you need and the 64 doens't then scrap the 64.

[ecrabb]

I think the two main advantages of a 64-bit OS are more RAM addressability (as in terabytes as opposed to 4GB with 32-bit XP), and a larger pipe for moving large amounts of data quickly on the memory bus (for things like image and data processing, 3D, etc.).

Given the lack of peripheral driver support, I don't know what reason (at all) anyone would have for running 64-bit XP on an HTPC - let alone a good enough reason to somehow offset the hassle of driver support.

SC

[Zebu Fellenz]

Thanks Guys,

AR- I have copies of both Xp and Vista 32 and will at least install Xp 32 to compare.

Ecrabb- Thats about what I have read, Xp 64 gives you the ability to use much more RAM and virtual memory, I wonder if the ability to move large amounts of data around faster is helpful at all for HTPC.

Driver support is a concern especially when I go HD-DVD but right now with the exception of my remote wonder everythings works fine.

Thanks,

Erik