Which kernel

[jcolyng]

I just installed PCLinuxOS 2011 onto a 64 bit laptop. The default kernel was installed. Since this is a 64 bit system should I install the amd64 kernel or leave the one installed?

[Neal ManBear]

Is it an amd cpu? If yes, then try the amd64 kernel. If not, don't bother.     

[jcolyng]

The processor is an AMD Athlon II.

[Neal ManBear]

Well, there's your answer. Install the amd64 kernel. Reboot and give the new kernel time to build all modules. It will take a few minutes, but this is a one time thing.     
Your old kernel should not be removed. It will be listed as a boot option on your grub screen.     

[jcolyng]

Done deal..

Everything is working fine.

[Neal ManBear]

So solved then? If so, please modify your first post in this thread and add [Solved] to the Subject line.     

[T6]

yes, amd64 will give you some extra power but the increase is nothing over maybe 5%, i never had a way to compare real numbers, the system does feel faster when using that kernel on a 64 bit system

the amd64 kernel works with atom netbooks too, i'm using it right now, incredibly stable

this kernel doesn't have pae extensions so if you have more than 3 gbs of ram in this case you will find that pae or pae.bfs is a better option for you because it will give you all the ram you have and not the 3 gb limit of the 32 bit kernel amd64 is

amd 64 just enables some extra extensions available on 64 bit cpus while using a 32 bit cpu