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Prasad RD
Asked: 2012-04-03 07:00:36 +0800 CST

Ubuntu 12.04 64 bit RAM usage

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I'm looking forward to download Ubuntu 12.04. But which bit version will fit best on my computer?.

  • Intel Pentium 4 3.06 1mb cache LGA,
  • Asus p5pe-vm motherboard,
  • 1GB Ram (512+512)
  • nVidia Geforce 6200 128mb AGP graphics card.

Will I run out of RAM? Or is it good to use 32bit more than using 64 bit on this? This computer fully supports Windows 7 64bit edition and runs better than 32bit.

I'm currently using Ubuntu 10.10 32bit and it runs like a dream (11.10 is much slower on this PC) Please help me before 26th of April!

64-bit ram 12.04

2 Answers

  1. The difference in used RAM between 32-bit and 64-bit isn't huge but it does exist.

    The bigger change is between the applications used. The difference in memory usage between Gnome Panel and Unity is more noticeable (in my experience) but you can reinstall Gnome Panel or try a lighter desktop like LXDE, XFCE, etc.

    Will you run out of RAM? That somewhat depends on your current usage. If you're right on the border of going into swap, yeah that possibility exists. Pair that with modern applications which put less emphasis on saving memory and you might have issues.

    I'd strongly consider an upgrade. 2x1GB of DDR400 is about £30 new (cheaper used) and easy to install. Then again, it's old, old, old. You might be better off running this computer into the ground and upgrading the whole thing.

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  2. Best Answer

    64bits is the way to go on 12.04, don't think that you having 1Gb of RAM will take any difference from 32bit. Its still very low.

    12.04 is definitely a lot fast than 11.10, you will for sure notice the difference, running it in a vbox on my laptop with 764Mb or reserved RAM and its still usable. I cannot say the opposite from 11.10.

    You should upgrade to 12.04 since its probably the last LTS that your computer will support, but if you have the chance get some more RAM as soon as you do so. The rest of the hardware you have on that list is supported out of the box and the CPU is fast enough for any task you trow at it.

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