new build - Finally upgrading to nPVR

[jam_zhou]

Hi All,

I've finally pulled the trigger on a new machine and I'll be upgrading to nPVR into Windows 7. Any tips on whether it should be 64 bit or 32 bit?

I want to use the following hardware:
adaptec 3610
pvr 150
remote wonder plus

software
ir suite
HIP (I'm not sure if it works on 64 bit or Win 7 but I'm crossing my fingers)

Can anyone comment on the drivers and such for this hardware?

[ShiningDragon]

Hi, this is an easy answering:
32-Bit edition only.

You won't take any advantage of choosing the 64-bit edition:
1. The memory usage on harddisk (32-bit AND 64-bit portions of code) and within ram (wow64) is higher
2. You don't have any speed advantage in this area (at least for now, it depends of an native 64-bit mediaplayer, 64-bit decoders and filters).
3. There isn't much 64-Bit native software outside (NextPVR, decoders)
4. Your Hauppauge PVR-150 does NOT allow the usage of more then 3,5 GB RAM. It will make your system instable and the tv card unsuitable. This is a firmware limitation and can not be fixed afaik.

[pcostanza]

I have 2 x64 boxes and 1 laptop and all run NPVR perfectly fine. To me, the bottom line for now is memory. If you're not planning on 4GB or more of RAM, 32 bit is the best best. All my systems have at least 4GB of RAM and x64 will use all of it while 32 bit will only use 3GB.
I can say that almost all the systems pre-built come now with 64 bit included. I think I read where Windows 8 won't even come in the x86 flavor.

[ShiningDragon]

I think I read where Windows 8 won't even come in the x86 flavor.

This was mentioned before even for windows 7. It's a pitty that microsoft didn't etablished 64-bit as standard and even windows 8 will drive on 2, or more specifically, 3 rails ... -.- (ARM, x86-32, x86-64). Microsoft plans to bring out a new beta of windows 8 for public testing.

[jam_zhou]

the new machine comes with 10 GB of ram...is that overkill?

[ShiningDragon]

Yes, you have to exchange the PVR-150 or you will experience only problems, in worst case your pc won't be able to startup. The HVR-2200 has not this limitation of ram, for example.

At least yo have two options to choose:

1a. Lower the ram to 3 GB
1b. Use the PVR-150
1c. Install Win 7 32-Bit

2a. Use 10 GB RAM
2b. Replace the PVR-150 with a newer model which is capable to adress space behind 4 GB
2c. Install Win 7 64-Bit to take advantage of 10 GB RAM.

[jam_zhou]

I meant the 10 GB ram in general. I have another TV tuner which isn't being used in another computer. I might install that instead - I'll check what model it is. So far it looks like my Adaptec is compatible with Win 7 at least.

I might be purchasing an HDPVR as well!! Any things to look out for with that?

Edit: it's an HVR-1800

[ShiningDragon]

I hate adaptec controllers, it's like gambling if they will work on a mainboard or not ... it took me 2 weeks to get mine running in my server (new installation of windows 7 inclusive), other ppl didn't had so "much luck" on my mainboard like me.

The HVR-1800 should be fine in case of memory.