What
is the difference between a 32bit and 64bit CPU?
The two main categories of processors are 32bit and 64bit. The
type of
processor a computer has not only affects it's overall
performance, but it
can also dictate what type of software it uses.
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32bit processor
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64bit processor
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The 32bit processor was the primary processor
used in all computers until the early 1990s. Intel Pentium processors and
early AMD processors were 32bit processors. The Operating System and software on a computer with a
32bit processor is also 32bit based, in that they work with data units that
are 32 bits wide. Windows 95, 98, and XP are all 32bit operating systems that
were common on computers with 32bit processors.
TIP: A computer with a 32bit processor cannot have a 64bit version
of an operating system installed. It can only have a 32bit
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version of an operating system installed.
The 64bit computer has been around since
1961 when IBM created the IBM 7030 Stretch supercomputer. However, it was not
put into use in home computers until the early
2000s. Microsoft released a 64bit version of Windows XP to be used on computers
with a 64bit processor. Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 also come in
64bit versions. Other software has been
developed that is designed to run on a
64bit
computer, which are 64bit based as well, in
that they work with data units that are
64 bits wide.
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TIP: A
computer with a 64bit processor can have a 64bit or 32bit version of an
operating system installed. However, with a 32bit operating system, the 64bit processor
would not run at its full capability.
TIP: On
a computer with a 64bit processor, you cannot run a 16bit legacy program. Many
32bit programs will work with a 64bit processor and operating system, but some
older 32bit programs may not function properly, or at all, due to limited or no
compatibility.
Differences between a 32bit and 64bit CPU
A big difference
between 32bit processors and 64bit processors is the number of calculations per
second they can perform, which affects the speed at which they can complete
tasks. 64bit processors can come in dual core, quad core, six core, and eight core
versions for home computing. Multiple cores allow for an increased number of
calculations per second that can be performed, which can increase the
processing power and help make a computer run faster. Software programs that
require many calculations to function smoothly can operate faster and more
efficiently on the multicore 64bit processors, for the most part.
Another big
difference between 32bit processors and 64bit processors is the maximum amount
of memory (RAM) that is supported. 32bit computers support a maximum of 34GB of
memory, whereas a 64bit computer can support memory amounts over 4 GB. This is
important for software programs that are used for graphical design, engineering
design or video editing, where many calculations are performed to render
images, drawings, and video footage. One thing to note is that 3D graphic
programs and games do not benefit much, if at all, from switching to a 64bit computer,
unless the program is a 64bit program. A 32bit processor is adequate for any
program written for a 32bit processor. In the case of computer games, you'll
get a lot more performance by upgrading the video card instead of getting a
64bit processor.
Now 64bit processors
are becoming more and more commonplace in home computers. Most manufacturers
build computers with 64bit processors due to cheaper prices and because more
users are now using 64bit operating systems and programs. Computer parts
retailers are offering fewer and fewer 32bit processors and soon may not offer
any at all.
