Linda Walsh wrote:
I have an Intel cpu / 64-bit extensions on a machine with 4G of memory. Just want some confirmation (or not)...it seems like i386 would currently be my best choice: all memory is accessible, no program I am running needs >2G addr space, 32-bit programs execute faster and will likely be smaller than the equivalent 64-bit programs (and libraries).
As long as I have under 4G mem (and my apps need <2-3G), I see only "downsides" to moving to the x86-64 version. Am I missing something or is this pretty much the "consensus view" (assuming there is one :-)).
Thanks, Linda
4GB is considered the break even point for 64bit. Realize the 32bit was only designed to access 2GB of ram and with some pointer magic OSs have been able to access more. It also depends on the program. Things with lots of math will use native 64bit math to commutate vs thunking 64bit numbers into two 32bit pointers. So anything graphic or index intensive (databases) will make a difference even with only 2GB of memory. In general, desktops will see mixed pluses and minuses of using 64bit. So far, over all, my system feels faster then when on 32bit. This is a windows system. I do install all new systems with 64bit, just because I know in the future 8GB and 16GB memory systems will be common place and I might as well get use to it now. The difference in speed is not going to kill me. -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org