The benefits of 64bit mostly is in the ability to multitask, cluster, as well as speed. Now if you have processors that support it and are installing 2008 for example you might as well take advantage of it, unless your company based software doesn't support it.
In regards to software needed for the install, if you are using 2008 media you shouldn't need anything additional. If you are using 2003 you will need the BUU (Build and Update Utility) to load the raid drivers for the install.
There is no reason to go 32-bit, especially if you plan to run 2008 or later. 32-bit software (with VERY few exceptions - mostly old, Server 2003-era) will usually run just fine on a 64-bit OS. The biggest reason for 64-bit is that 32-bit has a memory limit of 4GB, so if you have 32-bit and you plan to upgrade in the next decade (or however long you expect the server to be in service), then you would have to completely reinstall/rebuild from scratch. If you do 64-bit now, then if you ever need/want to upgrade, you just power down, install upgrade, power up, and you are done - 64-bit will automatically see and use more than 4GB. What OS do you plan to install? Whatever OS you install, I would strongly recommend you install OpenManage Server Administrator once the OS is installed. It will allow you to monitor and manage the entire system's hardware, including drives/RAID, memory, fans, etc.
EDIT: Sorry Chris ... I had opened this a while ago and didn't refresh the page to see your reply :)
DELL-Chris H
Moderator
•
9.7K Posts
0
March 26th, 2013 17:00
Kuhwks,
The benefits of 64bit mostly is in the ability to multitask, cluster, as well as speed. Now if you have processors that support it and are installing 2008 for example you might as well take advantage of it, unless your company based software doesn't support it.
In regards to software needed for the install, if you are using 2008 media you shouldn't need anything additional. If you are using 2003 you will need the BUU (Build and Update Utility) to load the raid drivers for the install.
Located here - www.dell.com/.../poweredge-2950
Let me know if this is what you were needing.
theflash1932
9 Legend
•
16.3K Posts
0
March 26th, 2013 17:00
There is no reason to go 32-bit, especially if you plan to run 2008 or later. 32-bit software (with VERY few exceptions - mostly old, Server 2003-era) will usually run just fine on a 64-bit OS. The biggest reason for 64-bit is that 32-bit has a memory limit of 4GB, so if you have 32-bit and you plan to upgrade in the next decade (or however long you expect the server to be in service), then you would have to completely reinstall/rebuild from scratch. If you do 64-bit now, then if you ever need/want to upgrade, you just power down, install upgrade, power up, and you are done - 64-bit will automatically see and use more than 4GB. What OS do you plan to install? Whatever OS you install, I would strongly recommend you install OpenManage Server Administrator once the OS is installed. It will allow you to monitor and manage the entire system's hardware, including drives/RAID, memory, fans, etc.
EDIT: Sorry Chris ... I had opened this a while ago and didn't refresh the page to see your reply :)