64 bit version as "main" version?

[brennus]

Okay then, but could the 64-bit edition have the same priority as 32-bit one? Like Ubuntu... Now, the 64-bit version of Mint comes out much later and it's also said it's not as stable as 32-bit one. That's not fair! Users are pushed to install 32-bit one as it comes out, of course, they could wait, but... everyone around using 32-bit one, while... oh. Okay.

[haruspexed]

i think the main problem with the 64bit edition is not that 32bit is still prefered... i think the problems are some buggy mainstream apps and libraries like flash in 64bit and others that are that buggy in 64bit that it is not worth to set 64bit as main version... just a thought...

[Superewza]

Also, Linux really doesn't require more RAM yet. It runs fine with 2GB, well with 1GB and perfectly with 3GB. And as far as i can tell, that's the only real advantage. It's a bit disappointing when you consider stuff like the move from 4bit to 8bit, and 8bit to 16bit.

[oscar799]

I've been using Mint 7 64 bit for a couple of weeks now,before that I used Mint 7 32 bit for 10 weeks or so.
I have a 64bit processor and 4GB RAM in my laptop.As a fairly ordinary home user I can't honestly say I've noticed an improvement in performance.
I intend to stick with it for the time being but when Mint 8 is released I may do a clean install of the 32bit.

[nukm]

There are other 64 bit distros if this one doesn't satisfy.

However, much of the argument on this thread is from Hutterites. Mint 7x 64 is very stable. I don't do lemming upgrades every 6 months. I too would like to see an LTS x64. But, that is up to Clem and Gang. I can always find an x64 and I have. I do not presume to tell Clem what he should.

This is for the Hutterites. And the faint of heart.
http://tuxradar.com/content/ubuntu-904-32-bit-vs-64-bit-benchmarks

I've run Fedora 64 since way back, openSUSE, etc. I have Debian 5 x64 running now,RHEL 5x64, Slack 13x64 is in and I'm still playing with it and little lilo and I have Mint 7x64 in at least one box.

So, if you are considering installing x64, what's the problem? Stop listening to the FUD. Oh, Xubuntu 9.04 x64 was very nice - I really liked that as it was clean and lively.

I did Deb benchmarks using Deb 5 for both 32 and 64 on equal partitions, identical setup, same HD. 64 won. Now, my benchmarks are no good for your machine. I haven't benchmarked Mint 7.

[monkeyboy]

I don't see a problem. We get to use fine 32 & 64 bit releases so why should we care which one is the main release or which one comes out first?

[rekik]

There is an advantage for 32 bit version when you have less than 4 Gb RAM because 64 bit versions use more RAM. So for PC with 2G RAM only it's better to use a 32 bit version OS.

[nukm]

I don't see a problem. We get to use fine 32 & 64 bit releases so why should we care which one is the main release or which one comes out first?

Bingo. A 64 bit LTS would be welcomed by me but I will not die from the lack of it. I can go out to 10 years with RHEL 5. It is a non-issue.

There is an advantage for 32 bit version when you have less than 4 Gb RAM because 64 bit versions use more RAM. So for PC with 2G RAM only it's better to use a 32 bit version OS.

I am not a "bit" cop. Do whatever pleases you. I just want the FUD to stop about 64bit not being stable. The article I cited used a box with 2 gb RAM. So, in that instance, again, there was no advantage to 32 bit. However, your machine might be different. Not all 64 bit processors are in truly 64 bit environment.

[subslug]

i think the main problem with the 64bit edition is not that 32bit is still prefered... i think the problems are some buggy mainstream apps and libraries like flash in 64bit and others that are that buggy in 64bit that it is not worth to set 64bit as main version... just a thought...

No longer an issue. Previously it was though.

You're really Not going to see much performance difference between the two. The only time you might is doing something processor intensive and that depends on if the program you're using to do whatever is able to use 64 bit processing.

Just surfing the web, no big gain.
Encoding a DVD to an .MKV file? You'll probably notice the difference.