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I have 3 GB of RAM. The output of lscpu:

Architecture:          i686
CPU op-mode(s):        32-bit, 64-bit
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  • Your machine supports 64bit. The i686 shows that you are currently running a 32bit OS. Dec 21, 2014 at 14:21
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  • technically you can hardly find a 32-bit only x86 CPU anymore. All x86 CPUs from P4 Prescott, except some old Atom CPUs, support x86_64
    – phuclv
    Dec 21, 2014 at 15:42
  • @LưuVĩnhPhúc You probably will be finding 32-bit CPU's more often now, in garage sales, recycle bins, etc... Just not buying them new
    – Xen2050
    Dec 21, 2014 at 16:29
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    You can't install a 64 bit anything on 32 bit hardware. Dec 21, 2014 at 17:01

2 Answers 2

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By "32-bit machine" I understand 32-bit hardware (processor) which is not your case because lscpu reports that your CPU can work in 64-bit mode.

CPU op-mode(s): 32-bit, 64-bit

You have a 32-bit software (operating system) running at the moment on your PC, that's why:

Architecture: i686

But you can install a 64-bit operating system (you have both a compatible CPU and enough RAM for it).

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    Aren't ALL RAMs compatible with ALL architectures? Dec 21, 2014 at 14:24
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    @RohithMadhavan yes, but at least 2 GB are recommended for 64-bit Ubuntu, while on the other hand 32-bit can run on less than 2 GB. I said "enough RAM".
    – Cornelius
    Dec 21, 2014 at 14:25
  • Fair enough. Although 64bit OS work fairly well with < 2GB RAM too Dec 21, 2014 at 14:27
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    I used to run 64-bit ubuntu live on just 2GB ram, not much "room" though (overlayfs, all files in ram). 32-bit Ubuntu actually uses less ram after booting, I think it's less ram-hungry, hence the higher ram requirements for 64-bit. 32-bit at least seems better for running live (more "room")
    – Xen2050
    Dec 21, 2014 at 16:34
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You can install a 32 bit system on 64 bit hardware.

The converse is not true.

You cannot install a 64 bit system on 32 bit hardware.

From the output of lscpu you gave:

CPU op-mode(s): 32-bit, 64-bit

It looks like your hardware is in fact 64 bit. You can install a 64 bit system.

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    So the answer is definitely YES!
    – Cornelius
    Dec 21, 2014 at 14:16
  • Ugh... I totally overlooked he wrote that... Thanks a lot for pointing out!
    – janos
    Dec 21, 2014 at 14:47

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