Arch Linux

zuargo

Member

From: Concepción, Chile

Registered: 2009-08-20

Posts: 116

Archlinux 32 bits on CPU Core 2 Duo machine

Hello

you see, in few days, I will buy a intel CPU Core 2 Duo, my question is: if I use Archlinux 32 bits with this CPU, the operative system will work using the two processors (I think this CPU have two cores)? or I must install Archlinux 64 bits for than it works using all processors?

Really I am a newbie in this matter...

MoistGod

Member

From: United States

Registered: 2010-04-07

Posts: 5

Re: Archlinux 32 bits on CPU Core 2 Duo machine

It should work fine. I have a Core 2 Duo and I run it in 32bit mode.

siriusb

Member

From: Hungary

Registered: 2010-01-01

Posts: 422

Re: Archlinux 32 bits on CPU Core 2 Duo machine

Hello,

If you wont have more than 4 GB RAM (incl video card), you can install the 32 bit version. I have an E6400 and arch runs smoothly. It will see both cores. When you runs applications that can work on two threads, you can see the difference in speed.

Skripka

Member

From: 2X1280X1024

Registered: 2009-02-19

Posts: 555

Re: Archlinux 32 bits on CPU Core 2 Duo machine

Hello

you see, in few days, I will buy a intel CPU Core 2 Duo, my question is: if I use Archlinux 32 bits with this CPU, the operative system will work using the two processors (I think this CPU have two cores)? or I must install Archlinux 64 bits for than it works using all processors?

Really I am a newbie in this matter...

There's LOTS of posts on ArchForums about 32bit versus 64bit.

A this point in time there is really no reason NOT to take advantage of your 64bit CPU, regardless of how much memory you have.

PS-64bit versus 32bit does NOT in any way effect how many CPU cores you can use.  It effects how much RAM you can address.

thestinger

Package Maintainer (PM)

From: Toronto, Canada

Registered: 2010-01-23

Posts: 478

Re: Archlinux 32 bits on CPU Core 2 Duo machine

64bit also increases performance a bit and adds NX-bit which helps to stop buffer overflows.

As skripka stated there really isn't a good reason not to use it. Unless you have a specific reason for choosing 32bit, you should go with 64.

If there happens to be a 32bit program you need to use (skype, 32bit wine, adobe reader) you can run it in a chroot or with the bin32 packages in AUR.

lasu1

Member

Registered: 2010-02-10

Posts: 83

Re: Archlinux 32 bits on CPU Core 2 Duo machine

Yep, I agree with the 64 bit Arch suggestion. I have tried both 32 bit and 64 bit on my system (2.67ghzQ6700 core 2 duo quad running at 3.22ghz). I like the 64 bit version better - it seems to be slightly (not hugely) snappier. I have no benches for this, though -- it just "seems" snappier.

Lastly, to directly respond to your question: yes, 32 bit will see your cores.

zuargo

Member

From: Concepción, Chile

Registered: 2009-08-20

Posts: 116

Re: Archlinux 32 bits on CPU Core 2 Duo machine

Thanks a lot guys for the answers.

Really I would want to use arch 64 bit but I have read many people to say that exist few programs for the 64 bits architecture, also they say to have issues related with flash...

corsakh

Member

Registered: 2009-11-08

Posts: 104

Re: Archlinux 32 bits on CPU Core 2 Duo machine

I had problems with 64 bit flash on other distro I was using before, on Arch it works out of the box without any problems.

Last edited by corsakh (2010-04-12 02:53:37)