[OpenIndiana-discuss] oracle removes 32bit x86 cpu support for solaris 11 will OI do same?

[Steve Gonczi]

I really can not make a case for 32 bit except for a legacy binary where you do Not have a choice

Do we need a 32 bit kernel ?
Probably not. Do we need the ability
To run a 32 bit binary?I think so
-:::-sG-:::-

On Jun 24, 2011, at 12:17, Michael Stapleton <michael.stapleton at techsologic.com> wrote:

> So I guess it would be fair to say that the best OS is the one that
> support both at the same time, and leaves the option to the developer
> for each individual application.
> 
> My understanding is that Solaris is more like 4G per process/kernel,
> rather than 4GB total.
> Multiple 32 bit processes could use more than 4GB total; just not
> individually.
> 
> Mike
> 
> 
> On Fri, 2011-06-24 at 15:58 +0000, Steve Gonczi wrote:
> 
>> For Intel CPUs, 32 bit code is certainly more compact , and in some cases 
>> arguably faster than 64 bit code. (say, comparing the same code on the same machine 
>> compiled 32 and 64 bit) 
>> 
>> But, newer cpu silicon tends to make performance improvements 
>> in many ways (e.g locating more supporting circuity on the cpu's silicon, increasing L1 /L2 
>> cache sizes, etc) 
>> 
>> Newer CPUs also tend to be more energy efficient. 
>> Intel made great strides towards energy efficiency. 
>> E.g.: idling the cpu when not in use ( deep C states etc. 
>> of gating off any circuitry that is not in use, modulating the cpu clock rate 
>> ( SpeedStep). 
>> 
>> So performance and energy efficiency is more dependent on 
>> which generation of cpu core design we have, rather than on 
>> just the the bitness . 
>> 
>> 
>> The primary advantage of "64 bit" per se ( ie running a given cpu in 64 bit mode) 
>> is the increased addressable memory space. 
>> The current hardware limit set by the manufacturers is at 48 address bits 
>> (256 terabytes theoretical limit) Actual OS support cuts this in half, or less. 
>> Motherboard limitations further curtail this, but 48G motherboards are now 
>> commonplace. 
>> 
>> On 32 bit Intel (Amd) you are typically limited to 4G, which is split between kernel and userland 
>> depending on the OS and configuration. (E.g.: 1G kernel and 3G userland) 
>> 
>> Steve 
>> 
>> ----- "Michael Stapleton" <michael.stapleton at techsologic.com> wrote: 
>> 
>> 
>> While we are talking about 32 | 64 bit processes; 
>> Which one is better? 
>> Faster? 
>> More efficient? 
>> 
>> Mike 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
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