64 bit vs 32 bit

[airiox]

I have a 64 bit processor and am wondering if I will see any improvement over the 32 bit. I know, at least in the past, 64 bit has been more unstable, is that still the case? Also compatibility wise, would it work with my tuner (Kworld 115)?

So what is your advice, is 64 bit really worth it? Or should I just go with the 32 bit?

Thanks.

[Sef]

I have a 64 bit processor and am wondering if I will see any improvement over the 32 bit. I know, at least in the past, 64 bit has been more unstable, is that still the case? Also compatibility wise, would it work with my tuner (Kworld 115)?

So what is your advice, is 64 bit really worth it? Or should I just go with the 32 bit?

1) Depends on what you are doing. With games and movie editing, 64 would be better. If just word processing, internet, and basic stuff, there would not be much difference.

2) It is stable now. Have used the Live CD a bit and no problems with it.

3) As for your tuner, check it out with the Live CD. If it works on that, then it should work upon install.

4) Use what you feel is best. Now I am using a 32-bit system, but with the next upgrade, I will probably switch to 64-bit.

[rsambuca]

I would say that thanks to the hard work of the developers and other members of the community, the better question to ask now is: Why would anyone bother running 32-bit Ubuntu on a 64-bit machine?

[airiox]

Thanks for the advice. I should have specified that I would be running Mythbuntu, in a seperate box, as a dedicated tuner and dvr and it would be on pretty much 24/7.

So would I run into any issues with drivers for my tuner in the 64 bit environment, and will the performance boost really be worth it?

[p_quarles]

If the kernel module for your TV tuner is open source (i.e., not a "restricted module") then you should have no problems with a 64-bit version. The only problems presented by a 64-bit OS are the closed source programs. Even then, those problems are far from being insurmountable at this point.

As for the performance boost, I believe that there would be a difference. If you're recording video over a cable connection, you're doing a lot of encoding. That's one of the areas where 64-bits will give you a big edge. Apart from that, I agree with rsambuca: there's no reason not to use the 64-bit version.