[NTLUG:Discuss] 64/32 question

[Steve Baker]

Fred wrote:
> What are the relative merits of running 32-bit Linux
> on a dual core (or dual processor... is that the same 
> thing?) computer vs 64-bit? 
>   
The really huge thing for me is that I can finally have more than 4 Gigs 
of RAM with my 64 bit system.  Even on 32 bit systems, you can't 
"really" have 4Gbytes of RAM without taking some performance hits - so 
most people top out at 2 or 3 Gigs.  But with a 64 bit system you can 
have a LOT more - if you need it.  The practical upshot of that is that 
because the Kernel caches disk information into unused RAM, your access 
to files that have been recently read gets a heck of a lot faster with 
more RAM.

There is a technical difference between dual core and dual processor - a 
dual-core system is two CPU's on the same physical chip - where a dual 
processor system is typically on two separate chips.  This does make a 
difference - but it's a fairly subtle one - and just like the 
32bit/64bit thing, the benefit you get depends dramatically on the 
internal details of the software you are running.

But it does depend on what you're doing.  If you mostly use your machine 
for playing music, surfing the web, reading email...then a 32 bit 
machine is a better choice because it's just had more work done on it 
and more eyes looking out for bugs.  If you are a serious performance 
junkie - then 64 bit is the way to go.