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Should I use the 32-bit or 64-bit version if I only have 4GB of RAM?

ChibiKiwii
ChibiKiwii
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My laptop is 64-bit and only has 4GB of RAM.

Should I use the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Firefox?

I've read that the 64-bit version uses more memory on average than 32-bit

My laptop is 64-bit and only has 4GB of RAM. Should I use the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Firefox? I've read that the 64-bit version uses more memory on average than 32-bit

All Replies (3)

Moses
Moses
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You might not know this but Mozilla plans to switch 32-bit users who meet their system requirements* to 64-bit builds of Firefox in the coming future.

* Win7 SP1 and above, 2GB+ RAM

Yes, you can use 64-bit builds of Firefox with 4GB of RAM. I usually say 4GB is the bare minimum to have when using 64-bit Fx. It does use a tiny bit more memory but the speed more than makes up for a few hundred MBs extra.

Edit: Apparently as of today's Fx55 release, Win64 users will automatically get the 64-bit version if they meet the requirements listed above.

Modified by Moses

cor-el
cor-el
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  • Top 10 Contributor
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Note that you currently have the 64-bit Firefox 55 version (Win64 official WOW64 for 32-bit).

  • Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64; rv:55.0) Gecko/20100101

See also "Help -> About Firefox"

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
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I think you're right, that 64-bit programs use somewhat more memory. I don't know whether it makes a difference in the real world.