On Wed, 10 Nov 2004 02:57:51 -0800 (PST), Ibrahim Mubarak <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hi, > > I have an AMD 64 [Socket 754] processor. However, I installed Debian Sarge > for the x86 > architecture. Is it best to stay like this, or to change to a 64 bit one? As > I was told that the > x86 kernel is optimized for the Hammer processor.
Using an AMD64 in pure 32bit mode is just like driving a 5-speed car only up to second gear. There's nothing really wrong with that though, although it's pretty much a waste of capabilities. That goes with running Athlon64's in pure 32-bit mode. Do mind though that there are still a few software that has yet to be ported to native AMD64 and/or has some issues with pure 64bit. Caveat emptor. But look on the bright side nonetheless - you get more capacity for memory beyond 4GB without resorting to cheats like PAE, bigger address space, faster decryption, etc... > And if I want to change, is it enough to compile a kernel for the 64 bit arch > and install it, or > do I have to install Debian all over again? No. The AMD64, though having an x86 compatibility mode, has a different native binary format. That means all things would go 64bit if you'd rely on native AMD64 binaries. Debian's AMD64 port, though a pure 64bit port, has an /emul directory wherein you can place 32bit software that hasn't yet been ported to native AMD64. -- Paolo Alexis Falcone [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
