Is there any advantage to using 64 bit FF over 32 bit?

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LameBrains
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Joined: August 25th, 2013, 10:08 am

Is there any advantage to using 64 bit FF over 32 bit?

Post by LameBrains »

I am setting up a new Windows 10, 64 bit computer and trying to decide between the 64 bit and 32 bit Firefox installs.

So far I have not heard of any advantages to the 64 bit version so I am leaning towards the 32 bit.

Is there any reason I might want to use the 64 bit instead?
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mightyglydd
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Re: Is there any advantage to using 64 bit FF over 32 bit?

Post by mightyglydd »

Sigh, there are already many threads on this.. here's one

http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic ... &t=3033355
#KeepFightingMichael and Alex.
LameBrains
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Re: Is there any advantage to using 64 bit FF over 32 bit?

Post by LameBrains »

mightyglydd wrote:Sigh, there are already many threads on this.. here's one

http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic ... &t=3033355
Thanks. I read the thread but didn't learn much except one comment that claimed the 64 bit version uses more memory but has less crashes.

I think that in all the years I have used Firefox, I could count all the crashes on one hand, and all were just minor inconveniences since I run it in a sandbox anyway, and at least some of those weren't because of Firefox. So that's doesn't seem to be a likely advantage for me.

Other than that, I see a lot of talk there, but no clear advantage, and possibly some disadvantage with respect to memory. So I am still leaning towards 32 bit.

This was in the other thread:
The 64-bit version will become the de facto default for installations from FF56+ on 64-bit systems
Did this happen?

I assume that if I use the 32 bit installer it will still install the 32 bit version on the 64 bit OS. I guess that comment relates to installs by some other methods.
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DanRaisch
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Re: Is there any advantage to using 64 bit FF over 32 bit?

Post by DanRaisch »

Did this happen?
Yes.
I assume that if I use the 32 bit installer it will still install the 32 bit version on the 64 bit OS.
Correct. You would have to deliberately download and run the 32bit installer to get Firefox in anything other than a 64bit version on a 64bit OS.
LameBrains
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Re: Is there any advantage to using 64 bit FF over 32 bit?

Post by LameBrains »

Perfect, thank you.
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James
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Re: Is there any advantage to using 64 bit FF over 32 bit?

Post by James »

Not sure why you needed two threads on this.
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