64-bit or 32-bit for the 2011 (spring) Macbook Pro 8 RAM 500HD?

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64-bit or 32-bit for the 2011 (spring) Macbook Pro 8 RAM 500HD?

I wanted to know the differences between 64 bit and 32 bit OSx I am currently running the latest Lion 10.7.3 on a 2011 spring macbook pro with 8 gigs of ram 500 gigs HD. From what I can read in the info it looks like it defaults to 32 bit automatically but I was told that I can hold down the 6 and 4 keys during startup to start with 64 bit. I would just like to know anyones experiences and what software it works better with. I usually run Adobe CS5.5 and it would be great to find out 64 bit will give it a boost. Please list pros and cons you know of..

Thanks..

Pete

MacBook Pro (17-inch Early 2011), Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Apr 18, 2012 1:12 PM

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Answer 1

Barney-15E

Level 10

112,506 points

Apr 18, 2012 5:17 PM in response to petetuzz

It's only the kernel that runs at 32-bit vice 64-bit. A 64-bit program will run in 64-bit mode regardless of what the kernel boots into.

There were a few benchmarks comparing the two environments early on, and you did get a slight advantage booting into 64-bit kernel for some apps.

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Answer 2

nerowolfe

Level 6

13,090 points

Apr 18, 2012 7:58 PM in response to petetuzz

It should be running 64-bit on its own with Lion. My 2007 MBP began running full 64-bit after I installed Lion.

Run the Activity monitor and see what the kernel is using. It should show 64-bit.

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