Any advantage to a 64 bit OS?

[kamikaze2112]

Just as the title states, is there any advantage to going with a 64 bit OS for a Sage server/client over an equivalent 32 bit OS?

Right now I'm running XP Pro x86, and have been toying with the idea of going Vista x64. Sage is the only thing that this box does, aside from the odd game on Steam. It's a Q8200 2.33GHZ, with 4GB ram, and a GeForce 9600GT

Any thoughts?

[Taddeusz]

A 64-bit OS is the only way you'll be able to use all 4GB of your RAM. Right now you're limited by the OS.

I use Vista x64 as my main workstation. I've had little to no trouble with it. My SageTV server still runs XP. It doesn't need as much resources. Besides, due to the fact that SageTV is a 32-bit application it can only have access to up to 2GB of memory.

What tuners are you using for SageTV? The drivers for older Hauppage cards such as the PVR 150, 250, 350 and 500 will not work in a system with 4GB or more RAM.

[kamikaze2112]

right now I'm running a PVR-150 and an HD-PVR. I kinda figured that Sage was still only 32 bit, but I had no idea about the older tuners and a 4gb ram limit. Maybe I'll stick with XP then, it's just that I seem to be having more and more problems lately.

[Taddeusz]

Originally Posted by kamikaze2112

right now I'm running a PVR-150 and an HD-PVR. I kinda figured that Sage was still only 32 bit, but I had no idea about the older tuners and a 4gb ram limit. Maybe I'll stick with XP then, it's just that I seem to be having more and more problems lately.

The only reason to not go with Vista x64 is hardware. A new tuner card to replace the PVR-150 would be cheap. But that's not the only driver you need to worry about. Printers and scanners can be troublesome on a new OS. Particularly 64-bit. If you decide to switch be sure that all your hardware has 64-bit drivers. Sounds like the core of your system does, but check any peripherals you have.

[Skirge01]

Originally Posted by kamikaze2112

right now I'm running a PVR-150 and an HD-PVR. I kinda figured that Sage was still only 32 bit, but I had no idea about the older tuners and a 4gb ram limit. Maybe I'll stick with XP then, it's just that I seem to be having more and more problems lately.

I did a quick glance of your most recent posts and I didn't see many (if any) issues that are likely caused by a 32 bit OS or a lack of RAM. Perhaps you just meant you're having issues with the computer in general and not necessarily related to Sage.

I don't want to jump the gun, but a fresh Windows installation might not be a bad idea. More often than not, through our troubleshooting, we wind up installing and/or uninstalling many different programs and codecs. These tend to really destabilize a system. I've actually locked my computer down, so that nobody can do anything except browse the internet and use Sage.

[kamikaze2112]

Originally Posted by Taddeusz

The only reason to not go with Vista x64 is hardware. A new tuner card to replace the PVR-150 would be cheap. But that's not the only driver you need to worry about. Printers and scanners can be troublesome on a new OS. Particularly 64-bit. If you decide to switch be sure that all your hardware has 64-bit drivers. Sounds like the core of your system does, but check any peripherals you have.

that's the beauty of this thing, there aren't any peripherals to mess around with. its literally a box purpose built for Sage. it just so happens to play games pretty well too. It's hooked up to my 50" plasma via 65' of component cable (Sage box and STB's, etc are all in my office at the other end of the house) and up to my amplifier with coax digital audio.

the only problem with ditching my pvr-150, is that I need the IR receiver in on it. I have it extended to the living room along with the rest of the cables, and that's the only way I'd be able to control it. I wish the HD-PVR had the remote IR receiver, or even my USB-UIRT that I use to blast my STB's. I've emailed the USB-UIRT guy a couple of times to see about getting a custom built one with an external receiver, but he never gets back to me. I'm really considering buying another one to tear apart and see if I can't extend it myself.

[kamikaze2112]

Originally Posted by Skirge01

I did a quick glance of your most recent posts and I didn't see many (if any) issues that are likely caused by a 32 bit OS or a lack of RAM. Perhaps you just meant you're having issues with the computer in general and not necessarily related to Sage.

I don't want to jump the gun, but a fresh Windows installation might not be a bad idea. More often than not, through our troubleshooting, we wind up installing and/or uninstalling many different programs and codecs. These tend to really destabilize a system. I've actually locked my computer down, so that nobody can do anything except browse the internet and use Sage.

Oh I agree completely, lately it's been nothing but hardware problems, but it seems as tho they seem to be trickling down to the OS/Sage install. since I got the new STB from Star Choice and fiddled with some settings, it's been freezing, stuttering, and just generally being a pain in the ass. Besides, it helps to clean up all the shrapnel from my constant tinkering LOL

I think I will stick to XP Pro for now, but maybe I'll try Vista x86 just for a change. as much as I hate vista, i won't be interacting with the OS very much.

[aflat]

If you're using firewire to change channels for your HDPVR you might not want to go 64bit. You can't use FireSTB on a 64bit OS. I learned that the hard way.

[kamikaze2112]

No, I'm using a USB-UIRT, but thanks for the tip

[[JiF]Mike]

Indeed, I learned the hard way as well about 64bit Vista with an HD-PVR..they just don't mix. Stick with the 32-bit and you'll be much happier driver wise. I use 64bit on my laptop and it works great...but I'll keep my HTPC 32bit. I lost my sound card and a few other key components simply cause I tried 64bit and found no drivers. Since I finally smartened up and went back to 32 bit it's been smooth sailing!