32 bit kernel on 64 bit AMD machine

dipsae · 09-30-2004, 08:29 PM

I have a AMD64 bit machine..Was wondering whether it was possible to boot as 32 bit kernel on the same machine??
Thanks

Tinkster · 09-30-2004, 09:11 PM

Hi, and welcome to LQ!

Do you mean whether the CPU will process 32bit
intel opcodes or do you want to know whether it
can run two kernels in parallel? :)

Cheers,
Tink

Space_Balls · 09-30-2004, 11:10 PM

I believe he just wants to know if he can run a 32bit kernel on his A64.
Yes, of course!
Otherwise, your 32Bit Win wouldn't work either.
A64s are downwards compatible with Ix86 programs/Operating Systems

dipsae · 10-01-2004, 12:14 AM

Exactly as space_balls said..However I want to know if there is someway in which I can just have a 32 bit kernel and whenever i want can I switch back to 64 bit..
Something like a switch between 32 bit and 64 bit ..
Thanks for your replies.

asdlfjksa · 10-01-2004, 08:01 AM

I, too, have a laptop with a 64-bit processor (Compaq R3240US with AMD64 processor). Wifi is vital to me, and I'm told ndiswrapper (necessary for wifi to work with linux) won't work in 64-bit mode. Thus, I'm entertaining the thought of installing 32-bit linux instead of the 64-bit, at least until ndiswrapper (or something similar) can manage 64-bit mode.

My questions are:

1. Exactly what will I be sacrificing by using 32-bit linux vs. 64-bit on this machine?
2. How difficult would it be to upgrade to 64-bit later on?

-- Sky

crashmeister · 10-01-2004, 10:03 AM

You might sacrifice some performance on some apps depending on if they are written to take advantage of 64 bit or not (see http://www.anandtech.com/linux/showdoc.aspx?i=2213).

Upgrading is with most distros a pain anyway.Going from 32 to 64 bit is just about impossible without a reinstall.