Which version for my new laptop?

[Montala]

I have just upgraded the processor on my laptop to an Intel Core i5-3210M 2.5GHz (Ivybridge) CPU which incorporates Intel® HD 4000 Graphics. The chipset is an HM76 and it has 4 GB of fast memory and a Crucial 120 GB M500 SSD, which I consider to be a reasonable enough spec.

What I am not sure about though is whether I would be better off installing the 32 or 64 bit version of Kubuntu 13.10. The naming of the 64 bit one is slightly confusing I feel by including AMD64 in the file name, but I am sure I have read somewhere that it can be installed on computers with an Intel CPU also.

As you can see, this is my first post on here, so I hope I have supplied enough info, and would be interested to hear what others are using, and indeed which version you would recommend I install.

Thanks!

[oshunluvr]

There is no longer any reason to install the 32 bit version of Kubuntu unless you only have a 32 bit CPU. 32 bit applications will run on a 64 bit install.

[tek_heretik]

A little AMD64 history, scroll down a bit, Intel and HP's previous version (IA-64) was more closed off to the general public and primarily used on servers, it's only named AMD64 because AMD first developed the 'mainstream' 64-bit technology, a major feather in AMD's cap at the time (Intel's post IA-64 copycat version is named EM64T). AMD has had the 'jump' on Intel innovation wise a few times but can't seem to stay there, Intel always seems to wind up 'smoking' them eventually with something better/more durable (now now AMD fan-boiz, take a chill pill and face the truth, lol ).

"also known as x64, x86_64 and amd64"...and EM64T...all the same thing, for realz.

You said

I have just upgraded the processor on my laptop to an Intel Core i5-3210M 2.5GHz (Ivybridge) CPU which incorporates Intel® HD 4000 Graphics.

...you had it apart or you replaced an aging laptop? Because lots of laptop CPU's are soldered right to the laptop's motherboard.

This is an interesting chart.

Oh, I'm sorry, I was blathering on about hardware, in answer to your original question, 32-bit is going the way of the Dodo bird, shoved in the corner(s) to collect dust and cobwebs like abandoned toys, go with the 64-bit.

If the 64-bit doesn't want to run properly, the only reason would be the CPU's 64-bit features are disabled in the BIOS/UEFI, they should be turned on, even if you do run 32-bit.

[Montala]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your replies.

Yes, I knew that 64 bit was the way to go, but I still reckon that the inclusion of 'amd64' in the actual file name is misleading, as it certainly gave me the initial impression that it was intended for AMD processors only, rather than Intel.

In reply to tek_heretik's question about my laptop, it is actually a fairly recent acquisition, which I purchased as a 'barebones' system, into which I could install (within reason) the CPU, memory, hard drive (or SSD) and wi-fi/bluetooth card of my choice, all of which I had lying around anyway.

I think you will find that it is only in older models where the CPU is actually soldered onto the motherboard, as the more recent ones, such as those which will accept the Ivy Bridge range (G2 socket) range are all socketed.

Once I had it all up and running I then decided to replace the lower spec i3 processor with the faster i5 one I mentioned above, (picked up cheaply on Ebay) so as to benefit from the increased performance and the HD4000 (rather than 3000) graphics.

Many laptops are quite easy to disassemble and upgrade certain components, although heat dissipation is often a consideration here, and some manufacturers, such as HP for example, publish very useful 'step by step' service guides.

The laptop I purchased was actually manufactured by Clevo who one of the largest companies in this field, and who supply a lot of the larger OEM companies, including the aforementioned HP, and Dell, to name but two.
On mine, the removal of a 'door' which is held in place by a single screw gives access to all the above components, making the whole process relatively straightforward.

Anyway, I am rambling a bit here, but thanks again for your replies!

Now, back to Kubuntu!

[tek_heretik]

Anyway, I am rambling a bit here, but thanks again for your replies!

Now, back to Kubuntu!

Kool, I'm glad you got things figured out, nice laptop too, it's nice you can change components, especially the CPU, I am a bit of a hardware junky, love to tinker.