Need guidance on choosing the right bit version of OS

English Install/Boot/Login
#1

Hi all,

I have been using OpenSuse 13.1 AMD64 OS on my home desktop for sometime now. My home desktop has a NVidia graphics card and I have installed proprietary drivers. So far this graphics card is performing well and no issues noticed till date.

I happened to read from application Configure NVidia X Server settings that my Graphics Card Memory Interface is of 32 bit type. Does this mean it is more beneficial for me to switch to 32 bit OS with this graphics card? I have listed herewith details of my graphics card for ready reference. BTW I am using Intel Core2Duo (E7400 @ 2.8 GHz) 64 bit processor and 4GB RAM. Thanks in advance for your valuable suggestions.


Ganesh-Desktop1:/home/ganeshp # lspci -vnn 
00:00.0 Host bridge [0600]: NVIDIA Corporation MCP73 Host Bridge [10de:07c1] (rev a2)
        Subsystem: NVIDIA Corporation Device [10de:07d7]
        Flags: bus master, 66MHz, fast devsel, latency 0

00:00.1 RAM memory [0500]: NVIDIA Corporation nForce 630i memory controller [10de:07cb] (rev a2)
        Subsystem: NVIDIA Corporation Device [10de:07d7]
        Flags: bus master, 66MHz, fast devsel, latency 0

00:01.0 RAM memory [0500]: NVIDIA Corporation nForce 630i memory controller [10de:07cd] (rev a1)
        Subsystem: NVIDIA Corporation Device [10de:07d7]
        Flags: 66MHz, fast devsel

00:01.1 RAM memory [0500]: NVIDIA Corporation nForce 630i memory controller [10de:07ce] (rev a1)
        Subsystem: NVIDIA Corporation Device [10de:07d7]
        Flags: 66MHz, fast devsel

00:01.2 RAM memory [0500]: NVIDIA Corporation nForce 630i memory controller [10de:07cf] (rev a1)
        Subsystem: NVIDIA Corporation Device [10de:07d7]
        Flags: 66MHz, fast devsel

00:01.3 RAM memory [0500]: NVIDIA Corporation nForce 630i memory controller [10de:07d0] (rev a1)
        Subsystem: NVIDIA Corporation Device [10de:07d7]
        Flags: 66MHz, fast devsel

00:01.4 RAM memory [0500]: NVIDIA Corporation nForce 630i memory controller [10de:07d1] (rev a1)
        Subsystem: NVIDIA Corporation Device [10de:07d7]
        Flags: 66MHz, fast devsel

00:01.5 RAM memory [0500]: NVIDIA Corporation nForce 630i memory controller [10de:07d2] (rev a1)
        Subsystem: NVIDIA Corporation Device [10de:07d7]
        Flags: 66MHz, fast devsel

00:01.6 RAM memory [0500]: NVIDIA Corporation nForce 630i memory controller [10de:07d3] (rev a1)
        Subsystem: NVIDIA Corporation Device [10de:07d7]
        Flags: 66MHz, fast devsel

00:02.0 RAM memory [0500]: NVIDIA Corporation nForce 630i memory controller [10de:07d6] (rev a1)
        Subsystem: NVIDIA Corporation Device [10de:07d7]
        Flags: 66MHz, fast devsel

00:03.0 ISA bridge [0601]: NVIDIA Corporation MCP73 LPC Bridge [10de:07d7] (rev a2)
        Subsystem: NVIDIA Corporation MCP73 LPC Bridge [10de:07d7]
        Flags: bus master, 66MHz, fast devsel, latency 0
        I/O ports at 4f00 [size=256]

00:03.1 SMBus [0c05]: NVIDIA Corporation MCP73 SMBus [10de:07d8] (rev a1)
        Subsystem: Micro-Star International Co., Ltd. Device [1462:7399]
        Flags: 66MHz, fast devsel, IRQ 11
        I/O ports at 4900 [size=64]
        I/O ports at 4d00 [size=64]
        I/O ports at 4e00 [size=64]
        Capabilities: [44] Power Management version 2
        Kernel driver in use: nForce2_smbus
        Kernel modules: i2c_nforce2

00:03.2 RAM memory [0500]: NVIDIA Corporation MCP73 Memory Controller [10de:07d9] (rev a1)
        Subsystem: NVIDIA Corporation Device [10de:07d7]
        Flags: 66MHz, fast devsel

00:03.3 Co-processor [0b40]: NVIDIA Corporation MCP73 Co-processor [10de:07da] (rev a2)
        Subsystem: Micro-Star International Co., Ltd. Device [1462:7399]
        Flags: bus master, 66MHz, fast devsel, latency 0, IRQ 7
        Memory at feb80000 (32-bit, non-prefetchable) [size=512]

00:03.4 RAM memory [0500]: NVIDIA Corporation MCP73 Memory Controller [10de:07c8] (rev a1)
        Subsystem: NVIDIA Corporation Device [10de:07d7]
        Flags: 66MHz, fast devsel

00:04.0 USB controller [0c03]: NVIDIA Corporation GeForce 7100/nForce 630i USB [10de:07fe] (rev a1) (prog-if 10 [OHCI])
        Subsystem: Micro-Star International Co., Ltd. Device [1462:7399]
        Flags: bus master, 66MHz, fast devsel, latency 0, IRQ 23
        Memory at feb7f000 (32-bit, non-prefetchable) [size=4]
        Capabilities: [44] Power Management version 2
        Kernel driver in use: ohci-pci
        Kernel modules: ohci_pci

00:04.1 USB controller [0c03]: NVIDIA Corporation MCP73 [nForce 630i] USB 2.0 Controller (EHCI) [10de:056a] (rev a1) (prog-if 20 [EHCI])
        Subsystem: Micro-Star International Co., Ltd. Device [1462:7399]
        Flags: bus master, 66MHz, fast devsel, latency 0, IRQ 22
        Memory at feb7ec00 (32-bit, non-prefetchable) [size=256]
        Capabilities: [44] Debug port: BAR=1 offset=0098
        Capabilities: [80] Power Management version 2
        Kernel driver in use: ehci-pci

00:08.0 IDE interface [0101]: NVIDIA Corporation MCP73 IDE [10de:056c] (rev a1) (prog-if 8a [Master SecP PriP])
        Subsystem: Micro-Star International Co., Ltd. Device [1462:7399]
        Flags: bus master, 66MHz, fast devsel, latency 0
        [virtual] Memory at 000001f0 (32-bit, non-prefetchable) [size=8]
        [virtual] Memory at 000003f0 (type 3, non-prefetchable)
        [virtual] Memory at 00000170 (32-bit, non-prefetchable) [size=8]
        [virtual] Memory at 00000370 (type 3, non-prefetchable)
        I/O ports at ffa0 [size=16]
        Capabilities: [44] Power Management version 2
        Kernel driver in use: pata_amd
        Kernel modules: pata_amd, pata_acpi, ata_generic

00:09.0 Audio device [0403]: NVIDIA Corporation MCP73 High Definition Audio [10de:07fc] (rev a1)
        Subsystem: Micro-Star International Co., Ltd. Device [1462:399a]
        Flags: bus master, 66MHz, fast devsel, latency 0, IRQ 23
        Memory at feb78000 (32-bit, non-prefetchable) [size=16]
        Capabilities: [44] Power Management version 2
        Capabilities: [50] MSI: Enable- Count=1/1 Maskable+ 64bit+
        Kernel driver in use: snd_hda_intel
        Kernel modules: snd_hda_intel

00:0a.0 PCI bridge [0604]: NVIDIA Corporation MCP73 PCI Express bridge [10de:056d] (rev a1) (prog-if 01 [Subtractive decode])
        Flags: bus master, 66MHz, fast devsel, latency 0
        Bus: primary=00, secondary=01, subordinate=01, sec-latency=64
        Capabilities: [b8] Subsystem: NVIDIA Corporation Device [10de:07d7]

00:0b.0 PCI bridge [0604]: NVIDIA Corporation MCP73 PCI Express bridge [10de:056e] (rev a1) (prog-if 00 [Normal decode])
        Flags: bus master, fast devsel, latency 0
        Bus: primary=00, secondary=02, subordinate=02, sec-latency=0
        Capabilities: [40] Subsystem: NVIDIA Corporation Device [10de:07d7]
        Capabilities: [48] Power Management version 2
        Capabilities: [50] MSI: Enable+ Count=1/2 Maskable- 64bit+
        Capabilities: [80] Express Root Port (Slot+), MSI 00
        Capabilities: [100] Virtual Channel
        Kernel driver in use: pcieport
        Kernel modules: shpchp

00:0c.0 PCI bridge [0604]: NVIDIA Corporation MCP73 PCI Express bridge [10de:056f] (rev a1) (prog-if 00 [Normal decode])
        Flags: bus master, fast devsel, latency 0
        Bus: primary=00, secondary=03, subordinate=03, sec-latency=0
        Capabilities: [40] Subsystem: NVIDIA Corporation Device [10de:07d7]
        Capabilities: [48] Power Management version 2
        Capabilities: [50] MSI: Enable+ Count=1/2 Maskable- 64bit+
        Capabilities: [80] Express Root Port (Slot+), MSI 00
        Capabilities: [100] Virtual Channel
        Kernel driver in use: pcieport
        Kernel modules: shpchp

00:0d.0 PCI bridge [0604]: NVIDIA Corporation MCP73 PCI Express bridge [10de:056f] (rev a1) (prog-if 00 [Normal decode])
        Flags: bus master, fast devsel, latency 0
        Bus: primary=00, secondary=04, subordinate=04, sec-latency=0
        Capabilities: [40] Subsystem: NVIDIA Corporation Device [10de:07d7]
        Capabilities: [48] Power Management version 2
        Capabilities: [50] MSI: Enable+ Count=1/2 Maskable- 64bit+
        Capabilities: [80] Express Root Port (Slot+), MSI 00
        Capabilities: [100] Virtual Channel
        Kernel driver in use: pcieport
        Kernel modules: shpchp

00:0e.0 IDE interface [0101]: NVIDIA Corporation MCP73 IDE [10de:07f0] (rev a2) (prog-if 85 [Master SecO PriO])
        Subsystem: Micro-Star International Co., Ltd. Device [1462:7399]
        Flags: bus master, 66MHz, fast devsel, latency 0, IRQ 21
        I/O ports at e480 [size=8]
        I/O ports at e400 [size=4]
        I/O ports at e080 [size=8]
        I/O ports at e000 [size=4]
        I/O ports at dc00 [size=16]
        Memory at feb7c000 (32-bit, non-prefetchable) [size=8]
        Capabilities: [44] Power Management version 2
        Capabilities: [8c] SATA HBA v1.0
        Capabilities: [b0] MSI: Enable- Count=1/8 Maskable- 64bit+
        Kernel driver in use: ahci
        Kernel modules: pata_acpi, ata_generic

00:0f.0 Ethernet controller [0200]: NVIDIA Corporation MCP73 Ethernet [10de:07dc] (rev a2)
        Subsystem: Micro-Star International Co., Ltd. Device [1462:7399]
        Flags: bus master, 66MHz, fast devsel, latency 0, IRQ 43
        Memory at feb77000 (32-bit, non-prefetchable) [size=4]
        I/O ports at d880 [size=8]
        Memory at feb7e800 (32-bit, non-prefetchable) [size=256]
        Memory at feb7e400 (32-bit, non-prefetchable) [size=16]
        Capabilities: [44] Power Management version 2
        Capabilities: [50] MSI: Enable+ Count=1/8 Maskable+ 64bit+
        Kernel driver in use: forcedeth
        Kernel modules: forcedeth

00:10.0 VGA compatible controller [0300]: NVIDIA Corporation C73 [GeForce 7100 / nForce 630i] [10de:07e1] (rev a2) (prog-if 00 [VGA controller])
        Subsystem: Micro-Star International Co., Ltd. Device [1462:7399]
        Flags: bus master, 66MHz, fast devsel, latency 0, IRQ 22
        Memory at fd000000 (32-bit, non-prefetchable) [size=16]
        Memory at d0000000 (64-bit, prefetchable) [size=256]
        Memory at fc000000 (64-bit, non-prefetchable) [size=16]
        [virtual] Expansion ROM at feb40000 [disabled] [size=128]
        Capabilities: [48] Power Management version 2
        Capabilities: [50] MSI: Enable- Count=1/1 Maskable- 64bit+
        Kernel driver in use: nvidia
        Kernel modules: nvidiafb, nouveau, nvidia

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#2

GeForce 7100

Should work fine in 64 bit OS

#3

I doubt that it would make a noticeable difference.

In my opinion, it is not worth the effort of a reinstall. However, when 13.2 comes out, you could consider installing the 32-bit version instead of the 64-bit version. And then, for 13.3, you can make up your mind based on whether you could tell the difference.

#4

On Tue 01 Jul 2014 08:16:02 PM CDT, nrickert wrote:

ganeshmallyap;2651918 Wrote:
> I happened to read from application Configure NVidia X Server settings
> that my Graphics Card Memory Interface is of 32 bit type. Does this
> mean it is more beneficial for me to switch to 32 bit OS with this
> graphics card?

I doubt that it would make a noticeable difference.

In my opinion, it is not worth the effort of a reinstall. However, when
13.2 comes out, you could consider installing the 32-bit version instead
of the 64-bit version. And then, for 13.3, you can make up your mind
based on whether you could tell the difference.

I would imagine that for 13.3 32bit will be dead (maybe or being
discussed)…

–
Cheers Malcolm °¿° SUSE Knowledge Partner (Linux Counter #276890)
openSUSE 13.1 (Bottle) (x86_64) GNOME 3.10.1 Kernel 3.11.10-17-desktop
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#5

I hope not.

I would hate to see Linux pushing people into buying the newest equipment just so they can run a current, supported O/S.

That is a practice best left to the shareholder-oriented commercial proprietary software vendors.

#6

Most probably ARM is being discussed into replacing 32bit lol!.

#7

On 2014-07-02 07:56, Fraser Bell wrote:
>
> malcolmlewis;2651941 Wrote:
>> I would imagine that for 13.3 32bit will be dead (maybe or being
>> discussed)…

> I hope -not-.
>
> I would hate to see Linux pushing people into buying the newest
> equipment just so they can run a current, supported O/S.
>
> That is a practice best left to the shareholder-oriented commercial
> proprietary software vendors.

I agree.

–
Cheers / Saludos,

Carlos E. R.
(from 13.1 x86_64 “Bottle” at Telcontar)

#8

Yes, I completely agree.

And lets not forget that 32-bit linux will still run on most 64-bit systems, and some folk prefer to install 32-bit.

What will eventually force the issue, will be the widespread adoption of UEFI. At present, a 32-bit linux won’t be able to do UEFI booting, though I suppose there’s no reason you could not use 64-bit grub2-efi to boot a 32-bit linux (I must try that some time).

#9

On 2014-07-02 14:46, nrickert wrote:
> What will eventually force the issue, will be the widespread adoption of
> UEFI.

Not really.

We need 32 bit Linux till the existing millions of 32 bit hardware rot
and decay. You could take the date the last 32 bit intel or amd cpu was
sold, and add at least a decade…

And I guess they are still making 32 bit embedded machines.

–
Cheers / Saludos,

Carlos E. R.
(from 13.1 x86_64 “Bottle” at Telcontar)