Best 64-bit Distribution for Linux Newb
 

I just ordered parts yesterday to build myself a nice new system with an Athlon 64 3000+ processor, including a 120 GB HD. I'm thinking of most likely setting up a multi-boot system with Windows XP, Windows XP-64 Beta, and some form of Linux.

Which Linux distribution would you recommend? The computer will be using an ATI All in Wonder Radeon 9000 from my old comp (I can't afford to upgrade everything at once, so the vid-card will wait a few months). One of my main incentives is to try Ut2k4's 64-bit version - and just to experiment with Linux at last.

I've played with Knoppix a little bit, and used CygWin (linux command prompt emulator) for a while in writing command-line C++ programs for my comp sci. courses. Other then that (and browsing some forums) I have little experience with Linux. I have done a bit of work with ActivePerl though and am familiar with it's ppm system for installing modules which from my understanding is similar to the linux apt-get.

From what I hear the ATI 64-bit drivers aren't that great - or their Linux drivers in general? I've been thinking of either Debian's 64-bit version (if I can find it) or the Mandrake 10 Amd64 version. Is any particular distribution more likely to work well with my vid-card or games in general? Also will the TV-tuner part of the card work under Linux, or will I have to switch back to windows to use that? I know very little about the various linux distributions, and would appreciate any suggestions/comments.

Thanks.

Frankly from what I read about various AMD64 ports, it seems to me the best thing a new user could do is stay away from AMD64 altogether for another 6 months or so. Still, if you must, SuSE is probably the most polished. If you want free, Gentoo is probably ahead of Debian at this stage. Ati drivers are always troublesome no matter what version :(

ferrix is dumb and doesnt know what he is talking about suse or amd!

Tadpole - if you have nothing useful to add to a discussion do not bother to ost. Ferrix expressed an opinion, based on his research and is free to do so. Do not call people names in LQ.

AMD64 is great
 

ferrix, do you have an AMD64 system? Mine works very well and is very fast.

I run SuSE 9.1 pro on an AMD64 3400+. Works great.
Gfx card wise, i dunno about ATI ... from what i hear they they can be pretty troublesome. I use an Nvidia Ge-force 5600 FX, the drivers install from the SuSE on-line update and work a treat.
I have the demo of UT2004 64Bit running at the moment and i have to say its absolutely stunning!!
One thing i would say is beware your motherboard!!, i have a few friends that have had trouble installing SuSE 64bit with Asus boards. I use a Gigabyte GA-K8N Pro with no trouble at all (more by luck than judgment i may add)
I cant comment on other distros for 64 bit because i havent tried any :)

I have just assembled for myself an AMD64 Athlon, 512 MB RAM, 120 GB HDD, 17" CRT Monitor.
I was planning to use Fedora COdre 2 64 bit on that alongwith Windows XP (very less use)

I have this machine primarily to learn linux development tools.
I am very confused with all those replies.

Can someone simply put a rating 1 to 10 or something for each distro, for me to decide quickly.
I would prefer to get a free distro, but that is not mandatory.

Regards, Ram

I think it would be very difficult to rate dostro's that way , especially for 64 bit.
Too much depends on hardware compatibility and personal preference of working environments etc.
For example, SuSE works well for me (with a few minor glitches..) but a friend, with a different motherboard, has had all sorts of trouble.

Hi i'm the proud owner of a epox 8hda board with a AMD64 3200, watercooled by Koolance.
It has 1024MB ddr400 mem and a ati 9500Pro card.

I'm installing the gentoo amd64 system now i'll let ya know how it goes. :Pengy:

UPDATE
Ok the install has completed without problems i'm now compiling kde,apache2,samba,etc,etc.

I'll finish this when i'm done with everything.
So see ya then.;)

@ ramindia

All distro's are free m8 you just need to know where to look.;)

And i can recommend Gentoo for your amd64 box as i'm also running that distro on mine.
They have excellent guides on how to accomplish a new install. ;)