Arch Linux

iindigo

Member

Registered: 2010-08-01

Posts: 2

Dumb question regarding CPU architecture

The question I'm about to ask must seem like really basic knowledge to most of you, so first of all, I apologize to subjecting you all to such a dumb question. Anyway -

I am looking to try ArchLinux out. I'm quite experienced with the two major commercial platforms, have used several other "no setup" Linux distros, and am comfortable with the command line for the most part. Arch, I thought, would be interesting to try out - something a little more to sink my teeth into.

So I hopped on over to the download page, where I am asked to choose the file appropriate for my processor's architecture. Thing is, as a longtime Mac user who has only recently become acquainted with Intel and AMD CPUs, I don't know some details. I know basics and the major differences between them, but not the architecture.

Without further ado, the question: Are desktop Core i5s i686 processors? Is the i686 build required or more suited for the processor than the generic x86-64 build?

Thanks!

hokasch

Member

Registered: 2007-09-23

Posts: 1,461

Re: Dumb question regarding CPU architecture

Are desktop Core i5s i686 processors?

Nope. Get x86_64.

edit: link fix

Last edited by hokasch (2010-08-01 12:31:00)

Skripka

Member

From: 2X1280X1024

Registered: 2009-02-19

Posts: 555

Re: Dumb question regarding CPU architecture

The question I'm about to ask must seem like really basic knowledge to most of you, so first of all, I apologize to subjecting you all to such a dumb question. Anyway -

I am looking to try ArchLinux out. I'm quite experienced with the two major commercial platforms, have used several other "no setup" Linux distros, and am comfortable with the command line for the most part. Arch, I thought, would be interesting to try out - something a little more to sink my teeth into.

So I hopped on over to the download page, where I am asked to choose the file appropriate for my processor's architecture. Thing is, as a longtime Mac user who has only recently become acquainted with Intel and AMD CPUs, I don't know some details. I know basics and the major differences between them, but not the architecture.

Without further ado, the question: Are desktop Core i5s i686 processors? Is the i686 build required or more suited for the processor than the generic x86-64 build?

Thanks!

i686 was (strictly speaking) the Pentium Pro processors
i786 was Netburst, i.e. Pentium4/D
i886 was Core2
i986 is Nehalem/Westmere (i.e. your i7/i5/i3)

That being said, the ix86 terminology was dropped due to copyright as I recall.  LOTS of stuff on Wiki on this topic--throw those CPU generation ix86 numbers in and read away.  You're using a Core2 or higher, there's no reason not to us 64bit.

Last edited by Skripka (2010-08-01 12:29:37)

iindigo

Member

Registered: 2010-08-01

Posts: 2

Re: Dumb question regarding CPU architecture

Ahh yeah, I didn't even catch the fact that i686 isn't 64-bit. Dunno how that got past me.

Proofrific

Member

Registered: 2008-01-05

Posts: 215

Re: Dumb question regarding CPU architecture

You could use i686 if you wanted, but it would be 32-bit.  As other said, just use 64-bit.  There's no reason not to.

Since you're going to install, check out the official install guide (http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Off … tall_Guide).

cesura

Package Maintainer (PM)

From: Tallinn, Estonia

Registered: 2010-01-23

Posts: 1,867

Re: Dumb question regarding CPU architecture

If you have a 64-bit processor, there's really no reason not to use Arch64. Also, if you were to use Arch32 on a 64-bit computer, you would be restricted to 32-bit quirks, such as only being able to address 4GB of memory.

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Proofrific

Member

Registered: 2008-01-05

Posts: 215

Re: Dumb question regarding CPU architecture

For more info on 32-bit vs 64-bit, check out the Wiki page on Arch 64 FAQ.

Also note that Adobe no longer supports flash for 64-bit Linux (an issue for everyone, not just Arch users).  See the news page or search the forums.  One solution is to install nspluginwrapper-flash.