Upgrading BIOS from 32bits to 64bits

[murphybeck]

The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (also called a CPU), handles information. Processor calls data from Memory i.e. RAM by giving its address to MAR (Memory Address Register). Selector electronics then finds that address in the memory bank and retrieves the data and puts it in MDR (Memory Data Register) This data is recorded in one of the Registers in the Processor for further processing. Thats why size of Data Bus determines the size of Registers in Processor. Now, if my processor has 32 bit register, it can call data of 4 bytes size only, at a time. And if the data size exceeds 32 bits, then it would required two cycles of fetching to have the data in it. This slows down the speed of 32 bit Machine compared to 64 bit, which would complete the operation in ONE fetch cycle only. So, obviosly for the smaller data, it makes no difference if my processors are clocked at the same speed. Again, with 64 bit processor and 64 bit OS, my instructions will be of 64 bit size always... which unnecessarily uses up more memory space.

[firenice03]

I would like to upgrade to 64 bits. Is it possible to do it without a fresh install?
Thanks

No would need fresh install of LL.. They are same OS but 2 different architectures and 2 separate ISO's
Some info:
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/32-bit-vs-64-bit-operating-systems/

If you're motherboard supports 64-bit as is without flashing bios or other steps - It may be feasible.
* With 2gb Ram, 32bit may perform slightly better - 32bit can support up to 4gb ram anything over 4gb will not be available to 32bit. Therefore 64bit is necessary.

I would see how much Ram your board can handle (max) if no more than 4gb stay 32bit... If 4gb + and you want to increase and of course $$$ makes sense to then 64bit maybe a viable option.
And with that a wipe out and replace of the OS.
- Keep in mind when LL4.0 comes out the new series requires a fresh install.
- At some point 32bit will no longer be supported but still have options for a few more years...
 

[JesusLinux]

Hey

Just upgraded the RAM from 1GB to 2 GB.
I wanted more RAM but was able to do this for free thanks to a friend o gave me the RAM.

No problem at all, the BIOS recognized the RAM so does LL.
However i'm still using this version LL 32 bits:

Description:   Linux Lite 3.2

Release:   16.04

Codename:   xenial

Kernel 4.4.0-109-generic #132-Ubuntu SMP Tue Jan 9 19:52:07 UTC 2018 i686 i686 i686 GNU/Linux

I would like to upgrade to 64 bits. Is it possible to do it without a fresh install?
Thanks

[tek10]

What The Repaiman said.

[The Repairman]

 

[JesusLinux]

Do you guys suggest upgrading the RAM first and then installing a fresh/latest version (usb boot) of LL 64bits, or installing LL 64 bits first and then do the RAM upgrade?

[Moltke]

If this one https://ark.intel.com/products/32431/Intel-Pentium-Processor-T2310-1M-Cache-1_46-GHz-533-MHz-FSB  is the same CPU you have it does states there that it supports 64 bit instructions, so as others have already suggested you could try installing a 64 bit OS and see how it goes.

[tek10]

I second the suggestion to just upgrade the memory and install 64 bit LL. Don't upgrade the BIOS unless necessary.

[The Repairman]

 

[JesusLinux]

Thanks for the above answers!
The thing is I'm not experienced doing this kind o procedure so I'm afraid of messing it up.

On Toshiba forums some people say this laptop can only take 3gb (2+1) even with 64bits bios, others say that's the max
Ram a 32bits bios can handle, but upgrading to 64bits can handle more thus the 4gb (2+2).

Searching intel's info on the chipset it says it can handle 64bits...

Will the LinuxLite 64bits OS recognizes the extra ram even if the bios is 32bits?

It all so confusing...

[The Repairman]

 

[Moltke]

Hi @JesusLinux

You might want to read here https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BIOSUpdate and here https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Flashing_BIOS_from_Linux

I am willing to attempt an upgrade BIOS from 32 to 64 bits on my laptop, question is, is it worth it?

  I'd say yes. It'll allow you to increase RAM limit and I believe hard disk size capacity limit too.

Hope this helps!

[JesusLinux]

Hello everybody!
 I am willing to attempt an upgrade BIOS from 32 to 64 bits on my laptop, question is, is it worth it?
Recently I've noticed some instability in linux lite (is starting to crash often) using youtube, vlc etc.
My laptop is ancient, however the CPU is 64bits capable (so I was told) but is running on 32 bits.
I want to change it to 64 bits an make a clean install of the latest linuxlite 64 bits version using USB boot.
Also want to upgrade from 1gb ram to 4 gb ram.
This laptop is used for watching movies on vlc, surf the web, and play games using Lakka.

Is it worth doing this?
I like this laptop because it's built like a brick so I can carry it to work and so.
Here are the main specs of my system:

Model: Toshiba Satellite L40-15G

Reference: PSL48E-01T00GPT

Technology/Processor: Mobile Technology IntelŪ PentiumŪ Dual-Core 2310, (1.46 GHz), 533 Mhz Front Side Bus, 1 MB level 2 cache, IntelŪ GL960 chipset

Monitor: 15.4" WXGA panoramic TFT

Internal Video Mode: 16.7 million colours, resolution 1280x800

Hard Disk: S.M.A.R.T. 80 GB, SATA (5400rpm), Enhanced IDE

Memory: 512+512 MB DDR2 (667Mhz) RAM, expandable to 3072 MB/4096 MB

Graphics: Adapter IntelŪ GMA X3100 (up to 256MB shared)

Thanks for any opinions/help on this.