What 64-bit applications for G5?

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Level 1

6 points

What 64-bit applications for G5?

Just curious... There are rumors that the next-generation iLife and iWork will be 64-bit applications and will not work on PowerPC Macs. But ain't Power Mac G5's 64-bit machines? So what 64-bit applications can Power Mac G5's run?

15" MacBook Pro 2.33Ghz, 3GB RAM, 200GB HDD, Mac OS X (10.5.8), 30" Cinema HD Display

Posted on Nov 28, 2009 8:25 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 28, 2009 10:06 AM in response to mbp233

I wood like to no that my self for that,s the reason I paid a arm and leg for it

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Answer 2

Nov 28, 2009 10:19 AM in response to mbp233

The only non-Apple ones I can think of off the top of my head are the Apache web server (included in OS X & runs in 64-bit on Leopard) and the MySQL database server which can also be had in a 64-bit version for PPC machines.

On my Leopard machine, the only 64-bit apps apart from the ones above are Chess, AU Lab, Quartz Composer, XCode, and Image Capture.

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Answer 3

Compactc9

Level 2

239 points

Nov 28, 2009 11:00 AM in response to Steve Boultbee

I also take it that theres no 64 bit OS 10.5 kernel for the PPC?

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Answer 4

Nov 28, 2009 1:29 PM in response to Compactc9

I also take it that theres no 64 bit OS 10.5 kernel for the PPC?

No. And it's not necessary. Even Snow Leopard boots with a 32-bit kernel by default. It doesn't preclude you from running 64-bit apps. http://blog.fosketts.net/2009/08/30/64bit-snow-leopard-kernel/

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Answer 5

mbp233 Author

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Nov 28, 2009 1:45 PM in response to Steve Boultbee

So when the 64-bit Power Mac G5 was first introduced a few years ago there was virtually no corresponding 64-bit software for meaningful popular use? And now that Apple begins to make 64-bit software it is all for Intel machines and the so-called 64-bit Power Mac G5's practically have nothing to do with 64-bit software the Apple community will actually use?

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Answer 6

BDAqua

Level 10

245,231 points

Nov 28, 2009 1:56 PM in response to mbp233

I have a question if you don't mind... what "meaningful popular" APPs are going to benefit from 64 bitness & bloat?

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Answer 7

Compactc9

Level 2

239 points

Nov 28, 2009 2:05 PM in response to mbp233

The main advantage to the 64 bit machine wasn't necessarily the apps it could run. The biggest advantage it gives as I understand it is how the CPU is able to process things, and of course the ability to handle more than 3GB of RAM.

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Answer 8

mbp233 Author

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6 points

Nov 28, 2009 2:10 PM in response to BDAqua

Well, as someone who heard that Power Mac G5 was the first 64-bit consumer desktop, I naturally expected it would be able to run future 64-bit software. And now it turns out that only Intel machines will benefit from mainstream consumer 64-bit software, it puzzles me what the 64-bit Power Mac G5 was actually for... Perhaps there are some esoteric uses that I am unaware of, but I remember that a few years ago Apple seemed to have emphasized that the 64-bit Power Mac G5 was a pioneering system meant to meet tomorrow's needs...

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Answer 9

mbp233 Author

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Nov 28, 2009 2:17 PM in response to Compactc9

I see. But if Apple hadn't gone Intel, would G5 (or an imaginary G6 and so on) be continued to be designed to run up-coming 64-bit applications? Of course this is just a hypothetical question. But it seems to me that it is because Apple gave up IBM PowerPC processors that the Power Mac series stopped developing and the 64-bit software roadmap for PPC machines was shelved completely.

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Answer 10

Compactc9

Level 2

239 points

Nov 28, 2009 2:54 PM in response to mbp233

Yes, Apple has in many ways quickly moved away from the PPC macs. Even as soon as 2007 things like Adobe Premiere and similar things have stopped supporting PPC. Its really too bad, the G5s are still very fast machines, and I still plan on using mine as long as they still support Leopard. But it does seem like all the "new stuff" will be Intel only as it comes out.

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Answer 11

BDAqua

Level 10

245,231 points

Nov 28, 2009 3:30 PM in response to mbp233

Actually G5s do use 64 Bits for many things, and even run some things in 128 bits with Altivec.

I consider the 64 bit thing a bit of creating a phantom need where no need exists for 99.999% of users. 🙂

PS. Of course it will be required to type an "e" in a updated text editor one day.

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