Ableton Forum

Hi,

My Mac Pro is a 1,1 2007 - it's a 32bit machine, running lion (can't update the OS anymore) so what I'm wondering is, does using ableton in 64bit mode make any difference?
I do use it in 64bit mode no problem, but I'm wondering if it's actually utilising the ram I have.

I am aware my Mac Pro is ancient and old!

Hi tomf,

all Mac Pros (2006 +) have 64-bit processors.

Mac Pro 1,1 (2006) - Technical Specifications

How to tell if your Intel-based Mac has a 32-bit or 64-bit processor


Using Activity Monitor to read System Memory and determine how much RAM is being used (OS X Mountain Lion and earlier)

https://www.ableton.com/en/articles/64bit-myths-facts/

Ah yes I know the processors are 64bit but that 1,1 thing apparently means the machine itself isnt.

OSX 10.9 Mavericks should be possible...
http://batmanofzurenarh.wordpress.com/2 ... ac-pro-11/

I wouldn't put mavericks on it purely for all the bad stuff I've heard about it. But mountain lion would be nice

I run lots of 'old' Mac machines...

Activity Monitor is your friend...
Fire it up, Run Live and see what it is actually using...

If its not using the 64 bit potential..., and your plugs are compatible then IMHO switch back to 32 bit.

I still got a PPC G5 powermac just for some sounds our of Atmosphere!

tomf wrote:Ah yes I know the processors are 64bit but that 1,1 thing apparently means the machine itself isnt.

I wanted to leave it as simple as possible...


Your Mac Pro runs Live 64-bit.

The only thing that's not 64-bit on your machine is the 32-bit EFI firmware (the code that runs to boot the Mac).

With 32-bit firmware, you can't boot into the 64-bit kernel. (= no Mountain Lion & Mavericks, unless you hack the EFI)


There can be some speed gains with the 64-bit kernel, but not for Live & stuff. So don't worry.



Even if you can't or don't boot the OS X (Snow Leopard or Lion) kernel into 64-bit mode, you can run 64-bit apps as 64-bit, and they can take advantage of all the memory in the machine.



BTW a simple look at Activity Monitor would show you that… -> Kind-column: Intel (64-Bit)




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2006 Mac Pro 8-Core CPU Upgrade, PC 5770 Video Card + EFI upgrade

OS X Mavericks on 2006 Mac Pro (MacPro 1,1)-11/4/2013 Mac OS X Tips, News and Tech Articles - xlr8yourmac.com