64 Bit To 32 Bit?

I'm quite a newbie but I'm finding that there are limitations with 64 bit Suse. I'm running 9.1 Pro on an MSI MB/Athlon 64 3700+ (VIA chipset). I've not attempted any sort of a compile or such as I've so much to learn. Things seem far slower than XP but it may just be the feel. However, I'm struggling with sound (I have to retweak it every time I restart) and other things like Real Player, Shockwwave and the like. I use Firefox for my browser.

Has anybody gone back to the 32bit version of Suse for increased application support?

Thanks for any help.

No not me, however I wonder if the sound issues you have got something todo with the 64 bit install.

I've no idea. I go into ALSAMixer on each boot and reset my volume levels and then sound works until I either restart of logoff and log back on. I also had to remove my ATI AIW 9700 Pro and replace it with my son's nVidia 4200 so I could experience at least some graphics capability. But I assume that's merely a lack of support from ATI.

I've seen no performance loss from 64-bit SuSE. AMD64 chips can run 32-bit and 64-bit applications simultaneously, so there's been no reason for me to "go back to 32-bit" since I can run any applications that don't have 64-bit versions natively anyway. I highly recommend Nvidia cards for Linux, BTW.

I also have a VIA chipset, and have had no sound issues except with Doom 3 (it doesn't like AC97).

Thanks Techie. So how is it that you are playing Doom3? That is a Windows game is it not?

Originally posted by mg37221@Nov 6 2004, 19:47
Thanks Techie. So how is it that you are playing Doom3? That is a Windows game is it not?

Id released an official Linux client that can be found here:

http://zerowing.idsoftware.com/linux/doom/

All you need is the full MS Windows version of the game and a pretty hefty video card. It runs beautifully.

Interesting. Thanks for the info.

I to have the sound issue, however my 64 bit version dvd will not boot. Hence I installed the 32 bit from the CD's.

I do not believe the issue with your sound is a 64 or 32 bit issue, rather it is a Linux and sound-card issue.

I am running a Asus MB wiht the onboard sound and have to use ALSA every boot also. It will work great as long as I do not end the session.

I have been looking, but still cannot find a fix for this issue.

I may just have to buy a sound card it likes. :-(

Please keep me posted if you find a cure for this issue.

Thanks...

I have to agree with Linux_Hawk. Sound cards can be a problem regardless of 32 or 64-bitness (if that's even a word). As for cards that work out of the box, I've had great success with just about any card that uses the C-Media 8738 chipset. They're usually available for under $20USD, and at times under $10USD depending on the company that makes the board. For what it's worth I've used a Hercules Gamesurround (C-Media 8738) and a brown box special generic C-Media-based card ($7.99USD thereabouts) and both performed quite well on Linux, even when running Doom 3.

The sound issue you mention is a common one, and the solution is pinned in the tips, tricks, and tweaks section of these boards.