iMac 2.0 C2D = 64?

[Evgenij]

I was reading a little about Snow Leopard and found out that even if the 2007 iMac (7,1) 2.0Ghz Core 2 Duo has a 64 bit processor, it will not be able to load 64 bit kernel because it has 32 bit EFI. I also read that even if it has the 32 bit EFI, technically it could still load 64 bit kernel but Apple disabled the possibility on purpose. Is this true?

Perhaps I do not really need it and perhaps I won't see any difference in performance but it absolutely sucks to know that my 2 year old computer, which is technically capable, is being screwed by Apple for no reason.

 

[MTI]

Perhaps I do not really need it and perhaps I won't see any difference in performance but it absolutely sucks to know that my 2 year old computer, which is technically capable, is being screwed by Apple for no reason.

2 years is a long time in the computer industry as it exists today. Core 2 Duos aren't even close to cutting edge any longer. Use your computer as long as it serves its purpose and be happy.

 

[Evgenij]

2 years is a long time in the computer industry as it exists today. Core 2 Duos aren't even close to cutting edge any longer. Use your computer as long as it serves its purpose and be happy.

I never said C2D is cutting edge or that I am unhappy with my computer. The only thing I am unhappy about is the fact that Apple disables certain functionality from a capable system.

 

[2002cbr600f4i]

Sigh.... this has been hashed and rehashed SOOOOO many times in the last 3 months I can't begin to count...

http://www.macworld.com/article/142379/2009/08/snow_leopard_64_bit.html?lsrc=nl_mwweek_h_crawl

"If you’re running a Mac powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or an Intel Xeon processor, your Mac is 64-bit capable. And Snow Leopard runs 64-bit-capable applications in 64-bit mode regardless of whether it’s booting into a 64-bit or 32-bit kernel. In fact, the only big advantage of booting into a 64-bit kernel would be the ability to use more than 32 gigabytes of RAM. There aren't any Macs that can do that now, anyway, due to hardware limitations."

OK???? RELAX... You're not losing anything....

 

[Evgenij]

Sigh.... this has been hashed and rehashed SOOOOO many times in the last 3 months I can't begin to count...

http://www.macworld.com/article/142379/2009/08/snow_leopard_64_bit.html?lsrc=nl_mwweek_h_crawl

"If you’re running a Mac powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or an Intel Xeon processor, your Mac is 64-bit capable. And Snow Leopard runs 64-bit-capable applications in 64-bit mode regardless of whether it’s booting into a 64-bit or 32-bit kernel. In fact, the only big advantage of booting into a 64-bit kernel would be the ability to use more than 32 gigabytes of RAM. There aren't any Macs that can do that now, anyway, due to hardware limitations."

OK???? RELAX... You're not losing anything....

Don't yell. I am not complaining. I am only wondering why newer, capable iMacs are able to load 64 bit kernel and older, but capable iMacs are not. Why did Apple disable the possibility on purpose?

In a normal post, without using caps, can you please explain to me why? This is the purpose of my post here. I am just trying to find out why. Thank you.

 

[belvdr]

Sigh.... this has been hashed and rehashed SOOOOO many times in the last 3 months I can't begin to count...

http://www.macworld.com/article/142379/2009/08/snow_leopard_64_bit.html?lsrc=nl_mwweek_h_crawl

"If you’re running a Mac powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or an Intel Xeon processor, your Mac is 64-bit capable. And Snow Leopard runs 64-bit-capable applications in 64-bit mode regardless of whether it’s booting into a 64-bit or 32-bit kernel. In fact, the only big advantage of booting into a 64-bit kernel would be the ability to use more than 32 gigabytes of RAM. There aren't any Macs that can do that now, anyway, due to hardware limitations."

OK???? RELAX... You're not losing anything....

Where did 32 GB come from? Unless Apple crippled something, I've seen x86 utilize more than that through PAE.

 

[2002cbr600f4i]

Don't yell. I am not complaining. I am only wondering why newer, capable iMacs are able to load 64 bit kernel and older, but capable iMacs are not. Why did Apple disable the possibility on purpose?

In a normal post, without using caps, can you please explain to me why? This is the purpose of my post here. I am just trying to find out why. Thank you.

And my question to you is, why does it matter? You won't see ANY difference. Unless you're doing Kernal extension development, it doesn't matter. Everything above the kernel (read 99.9% of OSX) is 64 bit and will be running in 64 bit mode, even if you're running the 32 bit kernel.

And I believe it has something to do with the fact that some of the older models use EFI 32 rather than EFI 64. (although there have been arguments over in the Mac Pro forum about whether that matters or not in terms of which kernel gets loaded.)

Just relax and enjoy the update!

I just don't get why people keep getting their panties in a wad over this when I'm betting than almost none of them would know the difference between the 32 or 64 bit kernel if running side by side.

 

[Evgenij]

And my question to you is, why does it matter? You won't see ANY difference. Unless you're doing Kernal extension development, it doesn't matter. Everything above the kernel (read 99.9% of OSX) is 64 bit and will be running in 64 bit mode, even if you're running the 32 bit kernel.

And I believe it has something to do with the fact that some of the older models use EFI 32 rather than EFI 64. (although there have been arguments over in the Mac Pro forum about whether that matters or not in terms of which kernel gets loaded.)

Just relax and enjoy the update!

I just don't get why people keep getting their panties in a wad over this when I'm betting than almost none of them would know the difference between the 32 or 64 bit kernel if running side by side.

This does not answer my question at all but I thank you for the response. Nobody is "getting their panties in a wad", I only asked precisely WHY things are the way they are. I am not saying "F^&% Apple" or that my iMac is useless. I love it and I am sure it will get many advantages of the new OS. I was only wondering why.. why did Apple disable something that could function the same way as on newer systems.

Now, I have read more about this and it turns out that Apple could issue an EFI update to systems like my iMac later in time and that would allow it to boot into 64 bit kernel so it is absolutely fine. Apparently, the most possible reason for this is the lack of 64 bit drivers but when they become available, maybe then, will Apple issue such an update.

So everything is fine. Again, thank you.