32/64 bit version sensitivity

I currently own two desktops, a P4 and an i7 based system. The P4 can only deal with 32 bit OS's, but in theory the i7 should be able handle both 32 and 64 bit versions. However, more often than not, the i7 crashes during the trial of 32 bit CD's.
Due to the differences between the machines in terms of graphic cards as well, (AGP/ATI vs PCIe/Nvidia) I am hard pressed to tell where to pin the problem.
Is anyone aware of difficulties with mixed hardware/software issues?

let me guess, you i7's mobo has the sandybridge chipset...there in lyes your problem.
A little google seach may produce a work around

I have an i7 but I believe its pre sandybridge. Can't say that I try many live cds though.

welan wrote:

let me guess, you i7's mobo has the sandybridge chipset...there in lyes your problem.
A little google seach may produce a work around

The processor is an i7 860 Lynnfield, pre-sandybridge. This problem did not manifest in earlier versions of any distro includint openSUSE, but started in the new year with fresh betas. Now that I have a clue (Thank you) I'll check it out.

bdquick wrote:

I have an i7 but I believe its pre sandybridge. Can't say that I try many live cds though.

Well, it's a hobby, and I'm curious. Just for the record, do you run 32 or 64 bit versions? Is there any advantage to using the wider bus for someone like me, who wouldn't over tax a 16 bit processor?

see this link for my hardware https://suseunbound.canadaboard.net/t227-power-to-the-penguin

For the last few years I've always ran 64 bit, if the system was capable of it. This way at least I'm using the full capability of my hardware, plus I find it a bit quicker. Those are installed systems though. When I do download a live cd, generally get the 32 bit so it can run on any machine.

bdquick wrote:

For the last few years I've always ran 64 bit

Did you find any compatibility issues running 32 bit software on the 64 bit system?

I never had any trouble, and wouldn't expect to. They are essentially the same except the 64 bit processor can handle bigger numbers.

bdquick wrote:

I never had any trouble, and wouldn't expect to.

That's good to know. I went back to 32 bit Windows 7 due to this problem.
I guess Linux people are wiser.

Guess I haven't had trouble with 64 bit win 7 either.