32-bit OS on a 64-bit system

justin_p · 2007-10-30 17:17:33

All,

I am considering getting a new comptuer. I have found a refurb Gateway
http://www.microcenter.com/single_produ … id=0263686. My question is this: It's a 64-bit processor so will the 32-bit version of Arch run on it? I realize I may not be able to take advantage of all the 64bit optimizations, but it should run right? Thanks.

Justin

Gilneas · 2007-10-30 17:22:14

Yeah, 64bit computers can run 32bit OSes. Why, that page even says it comes default with 32bit Windows

justin_p · 2007-10-30 17:35:18

I need to read. Thanks

Phrodo_00 · 2007-10-30 22:51:23

Gilneas wrote:

64bit computers can run 32bit OSes.

not always, in fact most 64bit procesors are unable to run 32bit code, however x86_64 (Amd's 64-bit arquitecture) is 100% 32-bit i686 compatible so if you have a (non-xeon) modern intel (technically that's not a full 64-bit processor but it kind of emulates it, the arquitecture is called EMT64 and is compatible with x86-64) or amd processor you shouldn't have trouble.
that's what I understand, I might be wrong though...

jb · 2007-10-30 23:01:48

I've never heard of an x86 64-bit cpu incapable of running 32-bit code. The closest thing I can think of was Intel's itanium; but those weren't even x86... or sold on eMachines.

Acid7711 · 2007-10-31 00:02:44

jb wrote:

I've never heard of an x86 64-bit cpu incapable of running 32-bit code.

x2.........at least not anything that isn't common place for a desktop style system, or any namebrand/well known cpu type/brand.

broch · 2007-10-31 01:21:43

there is a difference between x86_64 and IA64 (more familiar, intel/AMD) but also MIPS64, SPARC V9 and onwards, HP PA-RISC 2.0 and of course famous DEC Alpha.

x86_64 natively supports 32-bit instruction set, the rest of the real 64-bit world never heard of 32-bit (maybe some sort of emulation)
In other words, you never heard about bigger part of 64-bit world

you can run on Intel Itanium 2 (latest) windows server 2003, RH, Debian, Novell SuSe (don't think that OpenSuse supports Itanium)

most of 64-bit apps will not run on true 64-bit cpus (compiler)

jb · 2007-10-31 02:11:18

Don't worry, I'm not in the dark on those; I guess I implied a little too much in that statement.

When I said I've never heard of an x86 64-bit system incapable of running 32-bit code, I meant only that architecture specifically (not just anything that can run in 64-bit mode). I'm ignoring Alphas, G5s*, Itaniums, and other 64-bit cpus since they were never sold in home user systems like that.

I think we're all on the same page, I just didn't bother with acknowledging processors that aren't going to show up in an eMachine. Had he posted a link to a HP Tru64 Box/Cabinet/Apartment, then it would have been a different story.

*Edit:I do not consider the PowerPC Apples to be in the same category as the rest of the OEMs; feel free to disagree.

Last edited by jb (2007-10-31 02:17:36)

broch · 2007-10-31 03:15:21

this was about

... or any namebrand/well known cpu type/brand.

which assumes only x86_64 and nothing else (if you read post:
it talks about desktops and other known cpus)

Because first author was not sure about architecture and OS capabilities I only wanted to explain that there is more than x86_64 in 64-bit world, without suggesting PA-RISC at home.
However DEC Alphas can be found in some enthusiasts homes.

Acid7711 · 2007-10-31 03:29:04

broch wrote:

this was about
... or any namebrand/well known cpu type/brand.
I only wanted to explain that there is more than x86_64 in 64-bit world, without suggesting PA-RISC at home.
However DEC Alphas can be found in some enthusiasts homes.

Oh, I understand, and I think it's good information, but when it really comes down to it you've got to ask yourself what the chances of any random, average, desktop computer user asking about 64bit having/inquiring about anything other than x86_64. With those processors becoming the mainstream and most widely used in any desktop built/bought today, it's not too much of a shot in the dark to assume this.

Any user who's going to know such things in enough detail to fully understand the differences between the basic x86_64 and others isn't going to be asking about them to begin with. But again, good information...

Anders · 2007-11-01 19:07:48

64-bit PowerPC can run 32-bit PowerPC code. IA64 runs x86 code too, but that's actually done through emulation. I think Sparc64 runs 32-bit Sparc code. It's not really that uncommon.

Mr Green · 2007-11-01 19:13:33

32 will run on 64bit pc .... I have tried 64bit distros never saw any real advantage ... but yes 32bit is fine

broch · 2007-11-01 20:11:17

Anders wrote:

64-bit PowerPC can run 32-bit PowerPC code. IA64 runs x86 code too, but that's actually done through emulation. I think Sparc64 runs 32-bit Sparc code. It's not really that uncommon.

yes, but for emulation first you need 64-bit OS, then emulator, then 32-bit OS, so you can't directly install 32-bit OS on DEC alpha, IA64 or SPARC V9 or Power64. That was not the original question.

Anders · 2007-11-01 20:28:59

I know, I'm just noting it.

Arch Linux

#1 2007-10-30 17:17:33

32-bit OS on a 64-bit system

#2 2007-10-30 17:22:14

Re: 32-bit OS on a 64-bit system

#3 2007-10-30 17:35:18

Re: 32-bit OS on a 64-bit system

#4 2007-10-30 22:51:23

Re: 32-bit OS on a 64-bit system

#5 2007-10-30 23:01:48

Re: 32-bit OS on a 64-bit system

#6 2007-10-31 00:02:44

Re: 32-bit OS on a 64-bit system

#7 2007-10-31 01:21:43

Re: 32-bit OS on a 64-bit system

#8 2007-10-31 02:11:18

Re: 32-bit OS on a 64-bit system

#9 2007-10-31 03:15:21

Re: 32-bit OS on a 64-bit system

#10 2007-10-31 03:29:04

Re: 32-bit OS on a 64-bit system

#11 2007-11-01 19:07:48

Re: 32-bit OS on a 64-bit system

#12 2007-11-01 19:13:33

Re: 32-bit OS on a 64-bit system

#13 2007-11-01 20:11:17

Re: 32-bit OS on a 64-bit system

#14 2007-11-01 20:28:59

Re: 32-bit OS on a 64-bit system

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