Should I upgrade to 64 bit Ubuntu with an old laptop model?

Question

I just realized, and I mean it literally just a few minutes ago, that my processor Intel T5870 supports 64-bit. I have had this laptop (ThinkPad R61i) for two years mainly running Ubuntu 32-bit. So far I haven't had a problem with it until last week when my OS (12.04) crashed due to a bad software update (my guess).

Should I take advantage of my processor's capability and upgrade to 64-bit (and I know I would have to reformat my laptop completely for it) or just let it run with 32-bit without my laptop's performance suffering for using a higher end OS?

I have a 3.9GB memory, integrated graphics, and 130GB hard drive.

possible duplicate of What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit and which should I choose? — Eliah Kagan, Jun 18 '12 at 06:18

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 18 '12 at 06:14

2

Yes. 64-bit is greater than 32-bit on your computer. It is new enough.

answered Jun 18 '12 at 06:14

ThePiercingPrince

688

Thank you, Linux Distance. But is my 3.9gb enough to use a 64-bit without hassle? – onvas Jun 18 '12 at 06:16
1

Yes, of course. Windows 7 64-bit cannot run with <2GB RAM, but Ubuntu can :) – ThePiercingPrince Jun 18 '12 at 08:04

Dean Howell · Accepted Answer · 2012-06-18T12:19:56.400

1

Yes, you should! Using the amd64 edition of Ubuntu will allow you to use the full bandwidth of your processor and system bus. If you need to run 32-bit software on a 64-bit install of Ubuntu, things are easier now that 12.04 supports multi-arch.

Good luck!

edited Jun 18 '12 at 12:19

answered Jun 18 '12 at 06:18

Dean Howell

873

Should I upgrade to 64 bit Ubuntu with an old laptop model?

2 Answers2