Modern Processors these days are built on 64-bit architecture. Apart from applications which are built to run on 64-bit architecture, these processors are can also run applications which are packaged for 32-bit architecture. On the other hand, 32-bit processors can run applications which are tailor-made to run on 64-bit architecture processors. This pretty much sums up application compatibility with different architectures.
Linux distribution – i386 or amd64
64-bit processors can handle more data as compared to that of 32-bit processors, it can store far more number of memory addresses. So, these memory addresses can store more data on RAM. Hence, 64-bit processors are capable of utilizing far larger amount of RAM whereas, 32-bit Processors can utilize a maximum of 4GBs of RAM. This in turn assists us in executing tasks that require faster processing speed while using a 64-bit processor.
If you bought a processor in last decade, then it is most likely built on 64-bit architecture. Although we can, but it is not advisable to install a 32-bit supported operating system on a 64-bit processor architecture. If we do that then we will be under-utilizing our hardware in such case.
On website of Ubuntu Releases you would notice that previous Ubuntu releases are provided with two versions – amd64 and i386. i386 version supports both 32-bit and 64-bit processor architectures whereas, amd64 only supports 64-bit processor architecture.
So, one should know ones’ processors’ architecture before installing a operating system. It will at least help you save your networks’ bandwidth.
Check if a Processor can support 32-bit or 64-bit OS in Ubuntu
STEP – I: Open a terminal through key combination – Ctrl+Alt+TÂ or from systems’ main menu if the key combination doesn’t work.
STEP – II: Type lscpu in terminal;
It would return with either of the two results – CPU op-mode(s): 32-bit, 64-bit OR, CPU op-mode(s): 32-bit.
CPU op-mode(s): 32-bit, 64-bit – then its 64-bit Processor architecture.
If its just – CPU op-mode(s): 32-bit – then its a 32-bit Processor architecture.
In conclusion, we have covered here how to check processor architecture in Ubuntu. Choosing the right Operating system for compatible processor architecture is the key.
