Can I install a 64-bit version of Ubuntu on my 32-bit machine?

Question

I have 3 GB of RAM. The output of lscpu:

Architecture:          i686
CPU op-mode(s):        32-bit, 64-bit

Your machine supports 64bit. The i686 shows that you are currently running a 32bit OS. — Rohith Madhavan, Dec 21 '14 at 14:21
possible duplicate of What are the differences between 32-bit and 64-bit, and which should I choose? — karel, Dec 21 '14 at 14:26
technically you can hardly find a 32-bit only x86 CPU anymore. All x86 CPUs from P4 Prescott, except some old Atom CPUs, support x86_64 — phuclv, Dec 21 '14 at 15:42
@LưuVĩnhPhúc You probably will be finding 32-bit CPU's more often now, in garage sales, recycle bins, etc... Just not buying them new — Xen2050, Dec 21 '14 at 16:29
possible duplicate of I installed a 64-bit OS in a 32-bit processor — Eric Carvalho, Dec 22 '14 at 16:48

score 11 · Accepted Answer · edited Dec 21 '14 at 14:23

11

By "32-bit machine" I understand 32-bit hardware (processor) which is not your case because lscpu reports that your CPU can work in 64-bit mode.

CPU op-mode(s): 32-bit, 64-bit

You have a 32-bit software (operating system) running at the moment on your PC, that's why:

Architecture: i686

But you can install a 64-bit operating system (you have both a compatible CPU and enough RAM for it).

edited Dec 21 '14 at 14:23

Rohith Madhavan

answered Dec 21 '14 at 14:21

Cornelius

1

Aren't ALL RAMs compatible with ALL architectures? – Rohith Madhavan Dec 21 '14 at 14:24
3

@RohithMadhavan yes, but at least 2 GB are recommended for 64-bit Ubuntu, while on the other hand 32-bit can run on less than 2 GB. I said "enough RAM". – Cornelius Dec 21 '14 at 14:25
Fair enough. Although 64bit OS work fairly well with < 2GB RAM too – Rohith Madhavan Dec 21 '14 at 14:27
1

I used to run 64-bit ubuntu live on just 2GB ram, not much "room" though (overlayfs, all files in ram). 32-bit Ubuntu actually uses less ram after booting, I think it's less ram-hungry, hence the higher ram requirements for 64-bit. 32-bit at least seems better for running live (more "room") – Xen2050 Dec 21 '14 at 16:34

janos · Answer 2 · 2014-12-21T14:45:47.573

6

You can install a 32 bit system on 64 bit hardware.

The converse is not true.

You cannot install a 64 bit system on 32 bit hardware.

From the output of lscpu you gave:

CPU op-mode(s): 32-bit, 64-bit

It looks like your hardware is in fact 64 bit. You can install a 64 bit system.

edited Dec 21 '14 at 14:45

answered Dec 21 '14 at 14:06

janos

1

So the answer is definitely YES! – Cornelius Dec 21 '14 at 14:16
Ugh... I totally overlooked he wrote that... Thanks a lot for pointing out! – janos Dec 21 '14 at 14:47

2 Answers2