64-bit vs 32-bit kernel

[mark28]

What should i use with Lion? 64-bit or 32-bit kernel extension?

 

[bully worm]

Whatever your heart desires.

 

[tersono]

Lion only supports 64 bit. If you're running Lion, you're running the 64bit kernel

 

[paulsalter]

Lion only supports 64 bit. If you're running Lion, you're running the 64bit kernel

I am confused if Lion only runs a 64bit kernel

system info for my mac on lion says

64-bit Kernel and Extensions: No

 

[sidewinder]

Lion only supports 64 bit. If you're running Lion, you're running the 64bit kernel

This is incorrect. My Mac Pro (Early 2008 model) ran with a 32-bit kernel by default.

S-

 

[toxic]

your computer can only support 3GB of RAM, so 64-bit support doesn't do squat anyway.

 

[derbothaus]

your computer can only support 3GB of RAM, so 64-bit support doesn't do squat anyway.

But it's faster, right?🙄

(please get the sarcasm and don't drop a diatribe on me thanks)

 

[mark28]

But it's faster, right?🙄

(please get the sarcasm and don't drop a diatribe on me thanks)

Some benchmark show that 64-bit kernel is actually faster than the 32-bit kernel with Snow Leopard.

Not sure if this is true in Lion though.

 

[derbothaus]

You'd need at least 8GB memory and a crisp eye on fractional gains for this to be true. On Lion it most likely is faster as they spent more time developing in 64-bit kernel rather than 32-bit kernel. I know 64-bit kernel drains my battery more😉 Rest is placebo.

 

[chrfr]

Lion only supports 64 bit. If you're running Lion, you're running the 64bit kernel

I run Lion on a 2008 MacBook, and it's using a 32-bit kernel.