Re: [gentoo-user] 32 bit firefox on 64 bit system

[R0b0t1]

On Sat, Mar 4, 2017 at 4:22 AM, Jorge Almeida <jjalmeida@×××××.com> wrote:
> Is it possible?
>

Yes, the most straightforward way I know of is to use crossdev to
create an i[3456]86 GCC and compile it with the corresponding
cross-emerge executable. It will then install to /usr/$ARCH and you
should be able to copy it to your root.

> Background: some time ago I converted my atom 330 system (ASUS ION) to
> 64 bits. RAM is about 3.3GB, but usage never approaches the limit. My
> problem is that firefox went snail. chromium seems OK (I can't recall
> whether it was faster on 32 bits, but anyway the difference is small).
>
> Firefox runs OK on a faster computer (i3) in the same LAN (also 64
> bits). I assume the problem is CPU or MO specific.
>
> I thought of using a 32 bit firefox, while keeping a 64 bit system. I
> use a 64 bit custom kernel with support for 32 bit binaries. The
> question is, how to compile firefox? (It is OK if I have to recompile
> basic libraries, as long as this is stable...)
>
> TIA
>
> Jorge Almeida
>

I'm inclined to disagree with your determination that switching to a
64bit OS caused the slowdown, but, at the same time, you're the one
who was there to notice the correlation. If your determination is
correct it may be best to go back to a 32bit system - unlike ARM64
processors, which seem to suffer spectacularly when operating in 32bit
- early x86_64 processors may not have a penalty or be faster in the
more restricted mode.

When this kind of question comes up I tend to bring up the opportunity
to upgrade the computer as well. This tends to have many benefits in
regards to power usage and overall system responsiveness, but I
understand if it's not possible. I would point out that technology is
usually amortized over a 3 year period and conventional wisdom
dictates if you keep a computer longer than that as a business you are
losing money due to opportunity cost of using and maintaining older
and slower hardware.

R0b0t1.