On the new server im ordering I have decided to run CentOS so I have the option to test stuff easier before deploying onto a production server.
Now id like to go with the newest version(5) so that I have the newest for now... but want to make sure there aren't any issues currently.
I will be running cpanel and the normal web hosting stuff on it... tomcat i think it is, apache, mysql, php, apf firewall, etc
Also I was thinking of going with 64bit since the cpus support it and I would like to take advantage of it (if there is any) Im ok with there being little advantage to 64bit currently but i feel there will be much more in the coming years. I just dont want lack of current 64bit support to limit me on anything I currently need and use.
In short im in this for the long haul and looking for some others opinions so give me your comments!
Good or bad, you wont hurt my feelings:)

Thanks!

Reason I went with CentOS 5 from RHEL3 is because of how fast RedHat goes through product cycles. Seems they are introducing a new release level every 6 months or so and the EOL is not as long as I'd like it. Same is true of Fedora. With CentOS 5 at least I know it will be supported into 2012 or so...

Might as well go with the latest version unless you have a specific need. Go with 32 bit if you're not running any specific 64bit services that need more than ~4GB.

Is there a reason to go with the 32 bit instead of 64bit?
I dont have anything that will need over the 4gb limit.
Doesn't 64bit offer other performance gains other then the increase in usable ram?

Does the 64bit generally use more resources then a 32 bit install?

Thanks!!!

Everything made for 32bit had to be ported to 64bit. There are still some drivers that were never ported over. Not all software is created equal. Something might run smooth on 32bit, but the ported 64bit version may be garbage.

I have seen a few servers run into issues. The server would want to use /lib instead of /lib64, which would cause the software that needed the /lib64 version to error.

I have also seen some cPanel servers that crash quite often on 64bit. But since I haven't been able to find the exact reason, I can't really point any fingers.

If your goal is to avoid headaches, stick with 32 bit till 64 bit is absolutely required.

I thought the CentOS 5 product cycle would be the same as the RHEL 5 product cycle since they're based on the same core.

The only difference is the logos and image stuff. Other than that I believe they are pretty much the same.