64bit processors with 32bit OS Question

[Stuntman]

What, if any, benefit would you gain from using a 64bit processor with a 32bit Operating System? Does one need a 64bit OS to use a 64bit application, or can a 64bit application run on a 32bit while utilizing the extra bits?

Guess what I am asking is.. if I get a 64bit processor to replace my current processor in hopes of transcoding and working better with HD, will my current version of Windows XP Pro work with that.. or do I need to start over with a 64bit version of Windows?

Thanks!

[ke6guj]

Originally Posted by Stuntman

What, if any, benefit would you gain from using a 64bit processor with a 32bit Operating System?

None.

Does one need a 64bit OS to use a 64bit application,

Yup

or can a 64bit application run on a 32bit while utilizing the extra bits?

Nope

Guess what I am asking is.. if I get a 64bit processor to replace my current processor in hopes of transcoding and working better with HD, will my current version of Windows XP Pro work with that..

Yup, it will work with a 32bit OS install.

or do I need to start over with a 64bit version of Windows?

Only if you want to, but you have to make sure that there are 64bit drivers. And make sure that the 32bit app will run on a 64bit OS. Not sure if Sage will.

I would get a 64bit processor, just to future-proof yourself so that you can go 64bit OS later.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by Stuntman

What, if any, benefit would you gain from using a 64bit processor with a 32bit Operating System?

Well generally, or at least in the case of the Athlon 64, it's a better processor than it's 32-bit counterparts (the Athlon XP) regardless of if it's being used in 64 or 32 bit mode.

Plus it allows the option to upgrade to a 64bit OS later.

Does one need a 64bit OS to use a 64bit application, or can a 64bit application run on a 32bit while utilizing the extra bits?

No, you need a 64-bit OS to run 64 bit apps. But you can run 32 bit apps on a 64 bit os.

Guess what I am asking is.. if I get a 64bit processor to replace my current processor in hopes of transcoding and working better with HD, will my current version of Windows XP Pro work with that.. or do I need to start over with a 64bit version of Windows?

It will work absolutely fine with your current version of XP.

[Kirby]

And you might as well get a dual core CPU too, because more and more encoding tools are becoming multi-threaded, so they can use the second core more effectively. Plus dual core cpus are really cheap now, compared to where they were. Example, my AMD X2-3800's cost me nearly $400, now they can be had for under $150 easily.

[GKusnick]

Originally Posted by ke6guj

I would get a 64bit processor, just to future-proof yourself so that you can go 64bit OS later.

Last time I went CPU shopping (a couple of months ago), 32-bit was not an option. As far as I can tell, all the desktop CPUs in current production are 64-bit.

[bcjenkins]

Originally Posted by GKusnick

Last time I went CPU shopping (a couple of months ago), 32-bit was not an option. As far as I can tell, all the desktop CPUs in current production are 64-bit.

From AMD. The only Intels running 64 bits are the new Core 2. There are some with 64-bit extentions, not sure it is the same.

B

[Stuntman]

Does anybody know if the hauppauge line of PVR cards will be supported with 64 bit drivers?

[gplasky]

There are drivers out there for them now. Beta. See www.shspvr.com and look in the forums.

Gerry

[Stuntman]

Originally Posted by gplasky

There are drivers out there for them now. Beta. See www.shspvr.com and look in the forums.

Gerry

Wow.. thanks!

I guess the next question would be...


Has anybody installed Vista RC1 64bit version and sucessfully gotten SageTV to run?

This is the eventual configuration I'm looking to build after Vista gets released next year.. but sure would love to hear if it works now, and how well it works..