What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit processors?
What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit processors?
There are many things to consider when purchasing a new computer. We look at factors such as RAM size, processor, GPU, hard disk size, and more. But when it comes to choosing a processor type, we prefer a 64-bit processor. In fact, most people want a computer with a 64-bit processor without fully understanding what it means for a processor to be 64-bit and what the difference is between 32-bit and 64-bit processors.
It's great to have familiarity with many of the terms used daily. In this article, let's discuss the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit processors and what it means for your computer.
The Difference Between 32-bit and 64-bit Processors :
When you buy an operating system, software, or a game, you might come across options for 32-bit and 64-bit versions. If you're a Windows user, you may have noticed two program file folders - one simply labeled "Program Files" and the other named "Program Files (x86)." The "Program Files" folder is used to store DLL files from 64-bit applications, while the x86 folder stores 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 become more pronounced when you have a large amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) installed on your computer, typically 4 gigabytes of RAM or more.
In such cases, since a 64-bit operating system can handle larger amounts of memory more efficiently than a 32-bit operating system, a 64-bit system can be more responsive when running multiple programs simultaneously and frequently switching between them.
A computer with a 64-bit processor can have either a 64-bit or 32-bit version of the installed operating system. However, with a 32-bit operating system, the 64-bit processor won't operate to its full capability.
How Does a 64-bit Processor Handle More RAM?
Computer systems deal with binary counting only. It's either 0 or 1. Each one is called a "bit." So for computing, 1 bit can give you two possible values; 2 bits mean four values; then at 3 bits, that doubles to eight (2³).
If you continue this pattern, you end up with 32 bits (2 to the power of 32) giving you a value of 4,294,967,296, and 64 bits (or 2 to the power of 64) giving you a value of 18,446,744,073,709,551,616.
This is a lot of bits, and the numbers only demonstrate the power of the chip for higher computing. It's more than double. So, it's evident that a 64-bit processor can perform more computation than a 32-bit one.
Nowadays, chances are you're already using a 64-bit processor with 64-bit operating systems, which in turn run 64-bit applications (for mobile) or programs (on desktop). Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 all came in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, for example.