I just switched from the 32 bit version of suse 9.1 to the 64, and I can't notice a difference in application load times, web browsing, or anything else. I tried mandrake 9.1 or 9.2, in both versions as well a while ago, and there was definitely a noticeable difference. I heard someplace that it might be that I don't have enough RAM (512MB) and I will work on that as soon as my scholarships are renewed. What kind of PC test programs are out there for linux?

Here's my hardware:

AMD 64 3200+
Via KV8T800
512 MB PC 3200
GeForce FX 5700

How does this AMD 64 chip works? Maybe it's one of those that's got 64 extensions, but can work with 32 bit progs?
Maybe suse was already giving you the boosted performance while in 32 bit version. I would be surprised if your kernel didn't detect the 64 feature.

Err.. . .the kernel can't just detect the 'feature'. . . we are talking 64 bit address registers here. To use them you need to compile a program for it. Simple as that.

SuSE 9.1 Pro 32bit is compiled just for 32bit address registers, that's how it can work on a P2 or P3 (or any other 32bit address register based CPUs) . . .

SuSE 9.1 Pro 64bit will run way faster on a AMD64 based system, because it is not compiled to work with older hardware.

So, how could the guy install the 32bit version in this machine?

Wow, after a question like that. . . I have to say, you should really not talk about what you don't know.

The x86_64 chips from AMD (aka AMD64, or Athlon64) are backwards compatible with 32 bit code.
They are still great preformers when dealing with just 32 bit code, I mean they rock intel's offerings in some benchmarks. But, to be using every aspect of your new 64 bit chip, you need 64 bit code.

I think you should read this:
http://arstechnica.com/cpu/03q1/x86-64/x86-64-1.html
It's a neat article, and will help you understand the difference between 64 and 32 bit chips.

***
Wow, after a question like that. . . I have to say, you should really not talk about what you don't know.
***

I wasn't talking, in the first place. I was asking. I still am.

***
SuSE 9.1 Pro 32bit is compiled just for 32bit address registers,
***
This way put, I understood the system can't run on 32bit.


Also, the guy said he installed the 64bit version and felt no difference.
Should I understand he was already enjoying full use of 64bit?

***
I think you should read this:
http://arstechnica.com/cpu/03q1/x86-64/x86-64-1.html
It's a neat article, and will help you understand the difference between 64 and 32 bit chips.
****

Thanks! I'll check it.

Can anyone suggest a good way for me to quantitatively compare performance in both versions so that I will know I am not just being pessimistic, and are there any opinions on the RAM?

And this may be off topic somewhat, but how can I run 32 bit programs in 64 bit Suse 9.1?

How?
Easy,
just run them.

my mistake and I apologize...what I meant was how do you install 32 bit programs without the Unknown CPU architecture error...do I have to compile everything from source?...and mozilla does actually seem quite a bit faster...I was using konqueror before.

...maybe compiling the same large program in each OS and timing it would be a good way to compare performance?