Is the 64 bit version a better choice for a web server? Or 32 bit?

[tribedude]

We are building robust webserver (specs below). Would the 64 bit version or 32 bit version be a better choice to run on the box? Would any speed gains even be noticable or would limitations of general network connectivity make the differences moot?

I have loaded the 64 bit vesion on the box for testing and all the hardware seems to be recognized. What would the advantages be of using this version as opposed to the 32 bit?

Opteron 252 x2
Tyan S2881 motherboard
4 gigs ocz ecc ram PC 3200
adaptec scsi raid 2130slp-r
Seagate 73gig 15k rpm SCSI drives (3 in a raid array)
Maxtor 320 gig SATA drive (as a backup dump)

[wdingus]

Lots of reasons for, lots of reasons against. Your particular workload will be the best determining factor though. Here's something you might want to try on your server. I tested raw hard drive speed with the same hardware and with 64-bit Linux it was a *LOT* faster. Also, unlike a lot of folks running 64-bit boxes and 1GB RAM, you've got a fair amount there. In 64-bit mode it can all actually be utilized, properly...

[Flounder]

From what I have heard, the i386 version of the kernel does not utilize more than 2 GB of ram. 64-bit will use it from what I've heard, also I'm not sure if there are smp versions of the kernel for i386. So half your hardware may end up being unused by not using 64-bit. Your best bet is to experiment I guess.

[lazlow]

I am running 32bit with smp. There is support up to at least 4gb (maybe more) on 32-bit.

Lazlow