Is x64 codec performance as good as x86?

[dkazaz]

Hi all:)

I'm a newbie after years of windows where over time I came to know a lot about codecs and multimedia. In Linux though I'm a complete ignoramus.
Here's my question.

Is the performance of the default codecs that come with mint as good under x64 as they are under x86? I ask because in windows x64 multimedia is just now barely catching up with x86. I was thinking about installing Mint 64 but Video is my thing and I am already noticing pretty heavy CPU/resource use in x86 especially with X264 HD video. If the x64 version is heavier (possibly because of greater hardware req's it might be prohibitive).

My system specs are in my signature.

Thanks a lot for any info you can share!

[rivenathos]

As you are noticing, your hardware will determine the performance you can expect. All I can share is that my hardware runs better with the 64-bit version of Mint. I was having some slight video issues in the 32-bit version, but once I switched over to the 64-bit version, those minor issues went away. I know that since my hardware prefers 64-bit, then I am going to focus on making it happy.

[dkazaz]

Thanks, that's good to know.

The hardware isn't always the determinant though. In windows, although the hardware is 64-bit compatible, there is a lot less work going into optimizing codecs under x64. E.g. ffdshow (which I believe is based on a port of many of the same libraries that mplayer uses) has only just now started to exhibit good behavior under x64 windows, and even then it is still far behind the x86 version. In other words, it takes more CPU power to do fewer things and less well in x64.

I'm glad that Linux doesn't have this limitation. I'll try Mint x64 as soon as v7 is in full release

[rivenathos]

Windows? Do people still use that?

Sadly, the negative feelings you have in regards to 64-bit are based on experiences with non-Linux or non-BSD operating systems. If that was my only experience, I would probably have a sour taste in my mouth, as well.

It may be beneficial to disregard and file away previous experiences since all that baggage can cloud your thinking in relation to how Linux operates. When you focus on doing things the Linux way, everything simply falls into place.

If you want to experience Mint in 64-bits, the "Felicia" version is excellent. It still may be a little while before "Gloria" is released, so you can start enjoying Mint today. Have fun.