How to activate 64-bit on Snow Leopard?

[celticpride678]

It seems like 32-bit is the default kernel on Snow Leopard and I was wondering what is the easiest way to make Snow Leopard run in 64-bit mode and stay in 64-bit mode forever. Any ideas? Thanks a lot!

Also, does 64-bit really make the OS faster? Can processes still run in 64-bit mode without the kernel running in 64-bit? Thanks.

 

[cuestakid]

to get into 64-bit mode hold down the "6" and "4" keys on the keyboard while booting the machine.

System processes will run in 64 bit mode but individual apps may or may not run at all. All Apple apps will run fine but third party apps right now will be hit or miss

 

[BobZune]

See http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3773 for the persistent method.

 

[celticpride678]

to get into 64-bit mode hold down the "6" and "4" keys on the keyboard while booting the machine.

System processes will run in 64 bit mode but individual apps may or may not run at all. All Apple apps will run fine but third party apps right now will be hit or miss

Thanks. But does it stay in 64-bit or do I have to do it every time.

Just saw the link in post 3. Is that for normal Snow Leopard too?

 

[cuestakid]

Thanks. But does it stay in 64-bit or do I have to do it every time.

unless you want to edit the boot.plst file then no

 

[otis123]

i have a 2008 unibody and it is running most everything in 64 bit, but the kernel and extensions are showing no, if i forced 64 bit some of my peripherals don't work, like my 3G modem, so as long as most most stuff is 64bit but the whole os isnt, i really dont care and i dont see what the big deal about 64bit top to bottom is all about.