Question

32 bit vs 64 bit linux?

Posted February 20, 2013 24.7k views
I'm planning to deploy a Django (Python) app on Apache + MySQL using Ubuntu linux and I wonder if there will be any difference between running it a 32 bit OS vs 64 bit. I installed a 32 bit version of ubuntu thinking that is might use a bit less memory, but I don't really know. Is there any advantage to use a 64 bit OS? I want to keep memory usage down and I will try to deploy with a 512MB or 1024 MB droplet.
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mike91786
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mike91786
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  • maksfeltrin September 27, 2015
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    32bit linux can handle up to 3GB ram, (more if kernel uses PAE)
    64bit systems do ot have this limit but usually require ~ 1.7 x ram for the same processes compared to 32 bit systems.
    my advice: use 32bit OSes for droplets up to 2GB.

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4 answers
fs February 20, 2013
No, this does not help in lowering the memory, atleast not noticable. Its more important to adjust your configurations properly.
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m.kantzanos February 23, 2013
According to my experience, I would suggest you go with the 64-bit version. Although in small configurations you will not notice a big difference (as mentioned above) the 64-bit architecture will be (..or better already is) the standard.

It's kind like IPv6, not implemmented already everywhere due to migration issues but if we could we would switch instantly.

Same with 64-bit, better support, all modern hardware supports it, new operating systems support, so go for it.
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areski November 29, 2013
In the case of Ubuntu it might be interesting to read this post:
http://howtoubuntu.org/how-to-decide-if-you-should-use-32bit-or-64bit-ubuntu#.UpjPg7WJDAQ

So it will run faster with less RAM.
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dustinmatlock April 20, 2014
Actually, the more accurate answer, is that it will only run slightly faster. The extra memory needed for the same 64 bit application is rather small and you would benefit more from other features of the 64 bit configuration.

http://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/38369/running-64-bit-linux-with-750-mb-of-ram-worth-it
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