64 bit or not?

[CBO]

I'm getting back in the htpc game. But I only have a spare windows 7 x86 lic. Should I get a 64 version? I do plan to stream to extenders like the echo and other pc's around the house. On a side note I have a windows home server currently version one but I do have a lic for 2011 and 64 bit capable hardware. Should I go 64 bit home server stream from the home server and leave the htpc 32 bit? But what about streaming live tv from a unused tuner from the htpc would that scenario be better suited for a 64 bit system?

Thanks for your thoughts.

[lithium630]

I could be wrong but I thought the same license key works on 32 and 64 bit versions. I don't think there is any reason not to use 64bit now.

[newfiend]

I wouldn't even bother with 32bit anymore.. there are too many advantages to x64..
newfiend~

[bobbob]

i've been on 64 bit from the start (oct 2009) and never had a problem

[TeddyR]

I too have been on 64 bit since the start. Initially there were issues finding drivers for old equipment, but that is no longer the issue (plus its equipment that should have been replaced a long time ago anyways).

The biggest advantage for an HTPC with multiple extenders is the ability to go over 4gb RAM. Each extender and the main session needs ~1gb RAM each, and the base OS ~1-2gb ram; so on a 32 bit system any more than 2-3 extenders would definitly feel the pinch; This is not taking into account any converting that you may want to do (which also needs ram)..

[barnabas1969]

Hi CBO. Funny name, by the way. CBO = Congressional Budget Office... but I digress. Folks here don't like to embark on political topics.

The 32/64 bit question comes down to a very simple question: How much RAM do/will you need?

A 32-bit O/S can only handle 4GB (or, more correctly 3.something).

Microsoft recommends (quite correctly) that you should have a MINIMUM of 2GB for the Windows 7 operating system PLUS another 1GB for each extender that you plan to run simultaneously. If you want to run two extenders simultaneously, then you need 4GB of RAM. You could squeek by on this with a 32-bit O/S. If you want to run more than 2 extenders simultaneously, then you need a 64-bit O/S, and more than 4GB of RAM. For example, my system has 8GB of RAM and I run a 64-bit O/S and four extenders.

I can attest that my four extenders can run simultaneously, plus the TV that is connected directly to the PC... and the whole rig uses 6.3GB of RAM.

So... the answer to your question is a question: How many extenders do you plan to run simultaneously?

Don't forget to include future expansion... especially if you're going to be using a CableCARD tuner. The DRM associated with a CableCARD tuner is a deal killer if you hope to upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version.

[CBO]

Thanks for the replies 64 bit it is then. I have a ceton so I will need the ram also I probably don't want my wife complaining about the interface moving slowly when streaming is taking place. Now the next question is SSD but I see that someone has asked this so I will hop over there. Thanks again.

[CBO]

Just an FYI I have some spare parts that I'm planing on using but I have some choices here what would be best:

CPU 1: Core i7 920 or CPU 2: Core 2 Quad 9650
HD's 1 74GB Raptor, 2 old non trim Patriot Warp 32GB SSD , 2 Samsung 1 TB HD, 2 Western Digital 500GB HD.

I'm leaning toward the Core i7 920.

[barnabas1969]

I wouldn't use that old 74GB Raptor. Drives have come a long way since that drive was made.

The SSD you have is probably OK. It would be better to get a newer/faster one, but that Patriot would be fine if you're looking to save some money. Just make sure to periodically run a utility to "trim" it. It doesn't have to be done more frequently than maybe once a month, or once a week at max though.

The other drives you have are fine.

Definitely the Core i7. Again, it would be better to get a lower-wattage CPU... but if you're looking to save money, you can use that one. Just beware that it's a 130 watt processor. More watts = more heat. This means that you probably don't want to put it in a small form factor case. The reason I mention this is because it's easier to keep a lower-wattage CPU cool without making a lot of noise. This only matters if you plan to locate the PC in your viewing area.

[CBO]

Yeah I hear you on the heat thing plus energy. I'm thinking I should go with what I have now image the setup then upgrade later on. Either way my WHS should grab some images for me. I am planning on this machine being in my living room but do have a 24u rack I can house things. Matter of fact I should take some pics and post.

[barnabas1969]

Upgrading hardware can break the DRM on your copy-protected recordings. If you don't mind losing your copy-protected recordings, that's fine. But if you don't want to lose them, you should plan your build to be whatever you want as a final configuration.

[CBO]

Even if I store them on a windows home server? Well that sucks. Something to think about. Thanks.

[barnabas1969]

Yeah, that's why I advised you against upgrading to 64-bit at a later date. Re-installing the OS breaks DRM. Changing too much hardware breaks DRM. A CPU change most certainly would break DRM. It doesn't matter where your recordings are stored... copy-protected recordings can only PLAY on the computer where they were recorded (or on an extender).

[CBO]

Well I'll be going 64 most certainly. But the hardware I will do much later on.