htpc windows 7 32 or 64 bit?

[j00lz]

I just got a zotac Zbox with the Atom d510 and 2gb of ram.

It will be used only for light browsing, heavy utorrent and 1080p play back.

I was wondering with the small amount of RAM I have, would it perform better or worse with 32 or 64 windows7 prof?

Cheers

[Funkstar]

I've stuck with x86 for my HTPC as that way I only need 32bit codecs. With a 64bit system, you need 64bit codecs for 64bit apps and 32bit codecs for 32bit apps. So even with 4GB in one of my boxes, I just thought it would be a lot easier and it means one less potential issue.

Also, if you are putting a TV card in there, some have real issues with 64bit systems, even though they are supposed to work. for example I have a couple of Pinnacle cards that install just fine on my TV server (with W7 64bit) but refuse to tune properly, this is a known problem with these cards.

[Jay]

I did a test with vista x64 and x32 for a HDHTPC and I ended up sticking with x32. You only really need 2GB of RAM and getting the codecs to work on x64 was not easy.

[slypie]

I use Windows 7 x64 and never had issues with playing media files.

[FatalSaviour]

I personally go for x64 on all my machines these days just to avoid any confusion with future driver updates etc.
However, this is dependent upon your device manufacturers from being on the ball with regards to x64 drivers (if you've got a no-name TV-card, for instance).

One thing I'm not too sure of actually (given that I haven't looked at an x86 OS for a while now) is if there are any relevant hard drive limitations for a 32-bit version of Windows?

[FatalSaviour]

P.S. One thing that might simplify a 64-bit codec installation is a codec pack, such as this one: http://shark007.net/x64components.html
Personally, I try to avoid packs if possible, but I know quite a few people who are using this particular edition with no issues.

Hope that helps!

[Mpyra]

With only 2gb ram i'd stick to x86 it makes things far easier.

[s_kinton]

All mine are 32 bit, no point faffing around with 64 bit drivers.

[TheAnimus]

Whilst this was not the case a year ago, the 64bit codecs are relatively done for my browsing habits anyway.

As such I'd say go for the 64bit, it will run faster after all, and I wouldn't be surprised if future development is often only really done on the 64bit side, at least for highly performant apps. Well this could be the case very soon anyway.