64-bit, how to determine?

[yonnie]

How do you know when looking at a cpu number if it's going to run 64-bit software? I have an old Dell with an Intell dual-core hyper-threading cpu installed and it won't run 64-bit software. Is there another parameter I need to look for when buying new chips?

I thought that the HT was the key, could it be the MOBO?

[eanfrid]

It is only a matter of cpu architecture. Check Wikipedia about your cpu, for example.

[mank_in]

this post will help you : http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1698732

[homerscousin]

I think I can safely say this: Almost all Intel multi-core cpu's are 64 bit. It might be the mobo. Post some specifics.

[yonnie]

The ubuntu link was worthless. The intell wiki was slightly more helpful but not really. Apparently there is a huge plethora of pentium 4 chips out there and no clear means of determining which does what in terms a non-intell employee would recognize.

I have a computer pentium 4 dual core with HT in one system that runs 64-bit no problem. I have one another with a pentium 4 dual core with HT in another that won't run 64 bit. The only way I can determine which will run 64 in advance is to take the computer apart, remove the heat sink, read the number, look it up? That's stupid!

I found an easier way, just stick a live thumb-drive with 64-bit LM on it. If it says it needs a 64bit cpu and won't boot, then I need to investigate what cpu can be used to make it so.

[zerozero]

actually the UB link was on the right track

Code: Select all

grep lm /proc/cpuinfo

(if you see lm outputed in red is 64bit)
or

Code: Select all

grep flags /proc/cpuinfo

(look for lm)

additional info >> http://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/linux-how-to-find-if-processor-is-64-bit-or-not/