Install with 686 iso on AMD?
I just built a new computer, and switched over to an AMD chip instead of using Intel after all of these year.
My question is this: I have downloads of several distributions of Linux that I would like to install on my computer, but they were the 686 architecture. Will they still work? |
Yes, they will work fine, 686 is acceptable to install on an AMD system, it won't give you any problems.
If however, you have a 64-bit AMD processor, and you put a 686 architecture on it, it will work just fine, but it won't use the 64 bit addressing the processor is capable of. What that means is you won't get the super high speed out of the 64-bit chip. If it is 64-bit, you'll probably want to get the amd64 installer. Almost all of the major distros have a port to the AMD64 bit architecture. Peace, JimBass |
Actually, you may or may not want to install the 64-bit port. While the 64-bit Debian port is my distro of choice, it requires a lot more tweaking than the 32-bit version. I imagine that within a year or so, the 64-bit OSes will come into their own as far as usability is concerned; but, for the time being, I recommend to my newbie friends that they should buy 64-bit hardware, and install 32-bit OSes.
Since you are somewhat experienced already, partition your disk to allow both versions of your favorite distro, and check it out. |
Will 686 work for AMD?
You didn't say if your CPU is 64 or 32 bit. I had the exact same question, so I checked it out. 686 is the architecture for 64 bit CPUs, and that especially includes AMD 64 bit CPUs.
royeo |
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My CPU is 64 X2 4200. I think I'm going to do what rickh suggested, and try both, since I already have the cd's for the 32-bit. Thanks for the suggestion!
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64-bit programs only works best in games, image editing, video editing, sound editing, multimedia playback. Other 64-bit programs provides no performance except what I previously listed. In some cases 64-bit programs perform worst than 32-bit programes. Though an 64-bit OS provides 4 GB or more memory with out any needed workarounds instead 32-bit OS which needs PAE to handle 4 GB or more memory. I suggest waiting until 2010 for 64-bit computing to become a lot better than it is now.
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I have the exact same processor! Excellent power in it. I suggest you install the multiprocessor version of the kernel, as it allows the X2 processors to show up as 2 processors instead of 1.
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jim@JimsBeastie:~$ cat /proc/cpuinfo Peace, Jim |
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