32 or 64 bit Ubuntu 11.04, which one?

[cybrsaylr]

Should I select 32 or 64 bit version of 11.04?

I've been using 64 bit Karmic and Maverick but I see Ubuntu recommends the 32 bit version of 11.04. How come they recommend 32 and not 64 bit? Which one is best?

[3Miro]

Should I select 32 or 64 bit version of 11.04?

I've been using 64 bit Karmic and Maverick but I see Ubuntu recommends the 32 bit version of 11.04. How come they recommend 32 and not 64 bit? Which one is best?

Some proprietary drivers have 32-bit versions only and historically 64-bit flash has been a bit iffy (although lately it has been working just fine). My rule is, if you have at least 2GB of RAM and you don't run into any issues with drivers and flash, then use 64-bit. Otherwise, go for 32-bit.

[cybrsaylr]

I've been running 64 bit Karmic since Nov 2009 with no problems. Same with 64 bit Maverick which I've been running since its later release. I have plenty of RAM.

I'm also running 32 bit Maverick on an older P4 that can't handle 64 bit. 64 bit versions seem to run better for me but then again they are installed on newer PCs.

Thanks for the input 3Miro.

Other input is also welcome.

[THE CARTER]

If you've been running 64-bit in the past, your computer should be able to run 64-bit. How much RAM do you have?

[yeti2011]

Your question is my same question.

I've been using 10.10 Ubuntu 64bit version on Acer Aspire 8930G Intel Core Duo with 4 GB ram and I only experienced some problems when linking LibreOffice Base 3.3.2 to postgresql 8.4 database via odbc drivers.

You may also refer to the article as in the following link: http://www.muktware.com/man/1047.

Anyway I think the best solution is to try both 32 and 64 bit version if you have multi-boot capabilities to check the best compromise between performance and compatibility for YOUR specific hardware equipment and related software requirements.

[THE CARTER]

As in, exactly.

[THE CARTER]

It sounds like you have enough ram (anything above 2GB can run 64 bit, however, running 32 bit will only let you use 2GB of memory). then you should definitely run 64-bit to fully take advantage of your memory.

Most apps are compatible with 64-bit, so you should be good to go.

[3Miro]

It sounds like you have enough ram (anything above 2GB can run 64 bit, however, running 32 bit will only let you use 2GB of memory). then you should definitely run 64-bit to fully take advantage of your memory.

Most apps are compatible with 64-bit, so you should be good to go.

32-bit normally runs 4GB total video + regular RAM. If you have a 1GB video card, you can use 3GB of RAM. If you have 256MB video card, you can use 3.7GB of RAM.

32-bit has the PAE kernel, which will let you use more than 4GB of RAM on a 32-bit machine. However, this is a hack and if you have that much RAM, you should use PAE only if you have some specific rare problem with 64-bit (i.e. on 4GB of RAM, 64-bit should be considered by default).

[TBABill]

I even run 64 bit Debian on a 1GB RAM older Athlon 64 x2 machine. It runs great and with your machine it is already proven itself well capable and possibly snappier on 64 bit. I wouldn't change unless you find a limitation where 32 bit serves you better.

[cybrsaylr]

If you've been running 64-bit in the past, your computer should be able to run 64-bit. How much RAM do you have?

I have plenty of RAM as listed in my sig.
8GB DDR3 in desktop with a 1GB video card and 4GB in my laptop.