Topic: Choosing a processor: 64-bit?

[youngerpants]

Hi all, I'm looking at installing my first ever SME server. I've historically been a Debian guy but the functionality of SME Server looks too damn cool to not try out. However, I have a question to the forum.

From what I've read on these forums and on the Wiki, there is no 64-bit version of SME Server so I have to go with a 32-bit processor. Unfortunately it's neigh on impossible to buy 32-bit processors these days.

My question is; are there any issues installing on 64-bit architecture, and if not, what processors are recommended (I'd rather go down the AMD route is possible)? Failing that, is there a hardware compatibility list I can peruse?

Thanks in advance.

[bpivk]

From what I've read on these forums and on the Wiki, there is no 64-bit version of SME Server so I have to go with a 32-bit processor. Unfortunately it's neigh on impossible to buy 32-bit processors these days.

64 bit procesors can work in 32 or 64 bit mode. The only difference is that you do not fully utilise the procesor capabilities if you run it in 32bit mode.

[NickR]

My question is; are there any issues installing on 64-bit architecture, and if not, what processors are recommended (I'd rather go down the AMD route is possible)? Failing that, is there a hardware compatibility list I can peruse?

Thanks in advance.

IME, you will have much less pain if you choose Intel.  CentOS seems to support the Intel chipsets better when it comes to things like SATA controllers.  For instance, I have a Biostar microATX board with the Intel 945GZ chipset running a dual-core P4 3.4Ghz chip & it just flies with the onboard SATA configured as RAID1 in the SME.

By contrast, I also have an Athlon 64 in a VIA chipset motherboard where the SME simply refuses to recognise the on-board SATA controller.  I resorted to using an Adaptec 1210SA PCI RAID controller (which I have to say works absolutely fine, but obviously adds cost).

Although I was an avid AMD fan for many years, through issues such as this I've come to the conclusion that Intel is the way to go from now on.