What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit processors?
There are many things to consider when purchasing a new computer. We are looking for the amount of RAM, processor, GPU, hard drive size, etc. But when it comes to choosing a processor class, we prefer a 64-bit processor. In fact, most people want a computer with a 64-bit processor without knowing what it means to be a 64-bit processor and what is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit processors?
It is good to have knowledge of many terms that are used daily. In this article, let's discuss the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit processors and what they mean for your computer.
The difference between 32-bit and 64-bit processors
When you buy an operating system, program, or game, you will likely see 32-bit and 64-bit options available. If you are a Windows user, you should have noticed two program files - one simply "Program Files" and the other titled "Program Files (x86)." This Program Files folder is used to store DLL files only from 64-bit applications. The x86 folder is used to store DLL files for 32-bit applications.
To install a 64-bit version of Windows, you need a processor capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows. The benefits of using a 64-bit operating system are most useful when you have a large amount of RAM installed on your computer, usually 4 GB of RAM or more.
In such cases, since the 64-bit operating system can handle large amounts of memory more efficiently than the 32-bit operating system, the 64-bit system can be more responsive when running multiple programs at the same time and switching them frequently.
The computer with a 64-bit processor can have a 64-bit or 32-bit version of the installed operating system. However, with the 32-bit operating system, the 64-bit processor will not run at full capacity.
How can a 64-bit processor handle more RAM?
The computer system only supports binary counting. There are either 0 or 1. Each is considered a "bit." This means for 1-bit computing, you can get two possible values; 2 bits mean four values; then at 3 bits, you multiply that to eight (2³).
If you continue along this path, you will eventually get 32 bits (2 to 32 power) with a value of 4,294,967,296 and 64 bits (or 2 to the power 64) with a value of 18,446,744,073,709,551,616.
That's a lot of bits, and the numbers just show how strong the chip is that supports higher computing. It is more than double. So it is clear that the 64-bit processor is able to do more than 32-bit computing.
These days, you are likely already running a 64-bit processor with 64-bit operating systems, which in turn are running 64-bit applications (mobile) or software (on the desktop). Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 all came in 32-bit or 64-bit versions, for example.
The difference between 32-bit and 64-bit processors
When you buy an operating system, program, or game, you will likely see 32-bit and 64-bit options available. If you are a Windows user, you should have noticed two program files - one simply "Program Files" and the other titled "Program Files (x86)." This Program Files folder is used to store DLL files only from 64-bit applications. The x86 folder is used to store DLL files for 32-bit applications.
To install a 64-bit version of Windows, you need a processor capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows. The benefits of using a 64-bit operating system are most useful when you have a large amount of RAM installed on your computer, usually 4 GB of RAM or more.
In such cases, since the 64-bit operating system can handle large amounts of memory more efficiently than the 32-bit operating system, the 64-bit system can be more responsive when running multiple programs at the same time and switching them frequently.
The computer with a 64-bit processor can have a 64-bit or 32-bit version of the installed operating system. However, with the 32-bit operating system, the 64-bit processor will not run at full capacity.
How can a 64-bit processor handle more RAM?
The computer system only supports binary counting. There are either 0 or 1. Each is considered a "bit." This means for 1-bit computing, you can get two possible values; 2 bits mean four values; then at 3 bits, you multiply that to eight (2³).
If you continue along this path, you will eventually get 32 bits (2 to 32 power) with a value of 4,294,967,296 and 64 bits (or 2 to the power 64) with a value of 18,446,744,073,709,551,616.
That's a lot of bits, and the numbers just show how strong the chip is that supports higher computing. It is more than double. So it is clear that the 64-bit processor is able to do more than 32-bit computing.
These days, you are likely already running a 64-bit processor with 64-bit operating systems, which in turn are running 64-bit applications (mobile) or software (on the desktop). Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 all came in 32-bit or 64-bit versions, for example.
If you have any questions. Leave it in the comment box.
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