AMD64 or x86 installer?

Drasica · Apprentice Joined: 16 Apr 2006 Posts: 181

I just built a new computer today, and I have an AMD Phenom II Processor.

If I understand correctly, this means I can use either the x86 or the AMD64 installer.

What are the pros/cons of each option? Which would you personally recommend?

Thanks!

The Doctor · Moderator Joined: 27 Jul 2010 Posts: 2678

x86 can't use all the processor features.
amd64 can also use more than 4 gigs of ram. This is a major con to x86 if you like lots of ram on you system. PAE should NOT be considered if you can simply use amd64.
amd64 is noticeably faster when dealing with video or other applications with large numbers of double or long data types.

multilib profiles will allow you to run any 32 bit applications that you want, but there is some debate as to their effectiveness.

I personally think that amd64 is a much better option because it does not waste hardware capability. amd64 has all the power of a 32 bit system, but also has added capability.
x86 is simply an older arch.
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