Fedora 9...32 bit or 64 bit?

Question

I have been using the 64 bit version of Fedora 9 for a while now. There are several things that annoy me, however. Sun has not made a 64 bit java plugin and I run web apps that require the real Sun java fairly often. Also, ATI has yet to release a radeon driver update for linux kernel 2.6.25 that works with 64 bit systems. These issues, as well as several minor ones, get on my nerves fairly often while using my system. I have a Toshiba Satellite A215-S4807 with 2gb of ram. I'm wondering if it would be worth my 'downgrading' to the 32 bit version of Fedora. Will I see a loss in performance? Is it worth it?

Answer 1

There are a few differences between the two types. x64 can run twice as many colours than x32, giving a much better looking image than you would be used to. Also, performance-wise, x64 is much faster than x32, and the difference is immediately noticable. Besides that, on an x32 system, the max amount of RAM that can be installed is 4GB, whereas on Vista Ultimate x64, you can have 128GB.

The main disadvantage of x64 (on XP mainly though) was that alot of programs still aren't compatible, deciding to stay with x32 for a little while longer. But seeing as Vista is primarily an x64 system, that problem won't be around much longer.

Hope that helps=]

Answer 2

Bias first:  I just bought a 32-bit laptop which had Fedora Core 9 on it for 2 or three days at the start of the month before I decided Fedora Core 9 is not worth it period (it's running Gentoo now).

If you install a 32-bit version of Fedora you will DEFINITELY see a performance degradation.  I can no more tell you whether it will worth it or not than I can tell you how long term these problems you are having now.  Frankly, I get my best help with answers from these questions either from my Niece's husband or at our local Linux User Group.  Even a forum doesn't seem like a good enough place to discuss it in the real detail you need for a good answer.