Is my 24" iMac capable of running Photoshop CS5 in 64bit mode?

[Nostromo]

I have a white 24" iMac with a Core2 Duo processor, running Snow Leopard 10.6.3.

The new Photoshop CS5 extended software can run on 64-bit.

I know it also depends on the processor's firmware. Will my iMac be able to run Photoshop CS5 (comes out June 30th 2010) in 64-bit mode?

 

[Nostromo]

Bump.

 

[MacBird]

I would think so. If your computer is capable of running Snow Leopard then CS5 should run fine in 64 bit mode. You probably can't run SL itself in 64 bit mode but that does not matter as applications will run in 64 bit. You can check your Activity Monitor, Safari for example should be listed as 64 bit.

 

[rnb2]

Anything with a Core 2 Duo or more recent should be able to run 64-bit apps without issue. However, the bigger issue for you will be having enough RAM to make it worthwhile - I believe your iMac maxes out at 3GB of RAM. Running CS5 in 64-bit mode won't hurt, but without access to more RAM, it probably won't make as much difference as it could.

 

[Nostromo]

I would think so. If your computer is capable of running Snow Leopard then CS5 should run fine in 64 bit mode. You probably can't run SL itself in 64 bit mode but that does not matter as applications will run in 64 bit. You can check your Activity Monitor, Safari for example should be listed as 64 bit.

Anything with a Core 2 Duo or more recent should be able to run 64-bit apps without issue. However, the bigger issue for you will be having enough RAM to make it worthwhile - I believe your iMac maxes out at 3GB of RAM. Running CS5 in 64-bit mode won't hurt, but without access to more RAM, it probably won't make as much difference as it could.

That's good news.

What got me to start this thread is a thread I remembered regarding the EFI of older Mac Pros that prevented them from doing anything in 64-bit (if I remember that thread correctly).

Yes, the 3GB RAM ceiling is a bummer, but I should at least get some improvements as I'm upgrading to a new body with 21 Megapixels which would increase Photoshop file sizes considerably.

 

[rnb2]

Actually, the early Mac Pros are in the same position you are - they can't boot to a 64-bit kernel, but can run 64-bit apps without problem.

21MP, eh? 5D Mark II? Have one myself, as well as a 7D - both very nice.

 

[Nostromo]

Actually, the early Mac Pros are in the same position you are - they can't boot to a 64-bit kernel, but can run 64-bit apps without problem.

21MP, eh? 5D Mark II? Have one myself, as well as a 7D - both very nice.

Yes, 5D II (and some new glass).

What exactly does it mean that you can't boot to the 64-bit kernel, but can run 64-bit apps?

So it manages the CPU's resources on a 32-bit level, but the app is in 64-bit?

What does this mean in regard to speed?