[SOLVED] 32 bit or 64 bit Linux Lite?

[ChrisL]

The computer in question is a Gateway laptop MX6426 with AMD TURION 64 Mobil Technology ML-40 processor; 2.19 GHz 1 Gb RAM.  Currently running Windows XP SP3 Media Center Edition which is 32 bit.

I believe the processor is 64 bit, but if so why would they put a 32 bit system on it at the factory?

If I dual boot Linux Lite, would I be better off with 32 bit or 64 bit OS?  Pros/Cons?

Any thoughts appreciated, the 32/64 bit thing is pretty vague to me.  Thanks!

Chris

[rokytnji]

I'd go with 32 bit. I run 32 bit on this Dell XT2 Touchscreen with dual cores and 5 gig of ram just fine and dandy.
With a SSD drive also.

To find out if you are 64bit capable. I'd download the 32 bit and run a live usb. Install inxi and run

Code:

$ inxi -f
CPU:       Dual core Intel Core2 Duo U9600 (-MCP-) cache: 3072 KB
           Clock Speeds: 1: 800 MHz 2: 1601 MHz
           CPU Flags: acpi aperfmperf apic arch_perfmon bts clflush cmov
           constant_tsc cx16 cx8 de ds_cpl dtes64 dtherm dts est flexpriority
           fpu fxsr ht ida lahf_lm lm mca mce mmx monitor msr mtrr nx pae pat
           pbe pdcm pebs pge pni pse pse36 sep smx ss sse sse2 sse4_1 ssse3 tm
           tm2 tpr_shadow tsc vme vmx vnmi xsave xtpr

I ran Linux Lite as a persistent usb made with Unetbootin 1st before I went ahead and did my install.

[gold_finger]

I tend to agree with rokytnji -- 32-bit probably better on that machine.

It's my understanding that a 64-bit OS will use slightly more RAM in operation than a 32-bit OS.  Since you've only got 1GB of RAM on the machine, a 32-bit OS may very well make a noticeable difference in performance.  The more RAM you have on the system the less likely you'll notice any difference.  What I normally do is put 32-bit on anything with 2-3GB or less of RAM and 64-bit on any machine with 3-4GB or more.  No "set in stone" rule on this though.  You can install either version.  (A 64-bit capable CPU can run either type of OS.)

[N4RPS]

Hello!

Unless you have a dual-core processor, you're stuck with the 32-bit version. Even so, 64-bit versions run best with 2 GB RAM or more.

With just 1 GB RAM, depending on the CPU, you may find it to be on the sluggish side. It is what it is. Of course, as rokytnji says, on dual-core or higher processors, 32-bit operating systems are faster than their 64-bit counterparts...

73 DE N4RPS
Rob

[Scott(0)]

@ChrisL
I agree with the others, go 32bit. With only 1 gig of RAM there's really nothing to gain by going with 64bit.

[ChrisL]

Thanks all, 32 bit it is.

[delmar]

I have a system coming with dual core AMD processors and 4 gig of RAM. Should be plenty of horsepower to run 64 bit but what is the advantage?

[N4RPS]

Hello!

IIRC, 64-bit OSs can fully utilize the advantages of multicore processors, 32-bit OSs cannot. However, a lack of memory available to use this to full advantage can cause a 64-bit OS to be slower, but with 4 GB RAM, you SHOULD be OK...

73 DE N4RPS
Rob