Is my Intel-based Mac 32-bit or 64-bit?

[April 30th]

Yesterday Apple released Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 1, which adds Java SE 6 version 1.6.0_05. Release notes indicate that the update is for 64-bit Intel-based Macs only and cannot run on PowerPC-based or 32-bit Intel-based Macs. Some users, however, are unsure about whether their Intel-based Macs are 64-bit or 32-bit.

MacFixIt reader Frederick-Earl wrote:

"From the information given by System Profiler, how do I determine if I have a 32 or 64 bit Intel-based-Mac? Are we talking about 'Queue Depth'? It would be nice if Apple would be consistent with its jargon."

If your Mac has an Intel Core 2 Duo or Xeon processor, it is 64-bit capable and should be able to accept the Java update. All currently shipping Mac models are 64-bit capable. Older Intel-based Macs, based on the Core Duo processor, are 32-bit-only.

You can check your Mac's processor type by launching System Profiler (located in Applications/Utilities, clicking the "Hardware" tab, then looking at the "Processor Name:" entry. If you see "Intel Core 2 Duo" or "Xeon," your system is 64-bit. If you see "Intel Core Duo," your system is 32-bit and will not accept the Java update.

The following error message is displayed if your system cannot accept the Java update:

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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