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The two main categories of processors are 32-bit and 64-bit. 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.
32-bit processor
The 32-bit processor was the primary processor used in all computers until the early1990s. Intel Pentium processors and early AMD processors were 32-bit processors. The Operating System and software on a computer with a 32-bit processor is also 32-bit based, in that they work with data units that are 32 bits wide. Windows 95, 98, and XP are all 32-bit operating systems that were common on computers with 32-bit processors.
64-bit processor
The 64-bit computer has been around 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 64-bit version of Windows XP to be used on computers with a 64-bit processor. Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 also come in 64-bit versions. Other software has been developed that is designed to run on a 64-bit computer, which are 64-bit based as well, in that they work with data units that are 64 bits wide.
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Differences between a 32-bit and 64-bit CPU
The main difference between 32-bit processors and 64-bit processors is the speed they operate. 64-bit processors can come in dual core, quad core, and six core versions for home computing (with eight core versions coming soon). Multiple cores allow for increase processing power and faster computer operation. Software programs that require many calculations to function operate faster on the multi-core 64-bit processors, for the most part. It is important to note that 64-bit computers can still use 32-bit based software programs, even when the Windows operating system is a 64-bit version.
Another big difference between 32-bit processors and 64-bit processors is the maximum amount of memory (RAM) that is supported. 32-bit computers support a maximum of 3-4GB of memory, whereas a 64-bit 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 64-bit computer, unless the program is a 64-bit program. A 32-bit processor is adequate for any program written for a 32-bit processor. In the case of computer games, you'll get a lot more performance by upgrading the video card instead of getting a 64-bit processor.
In the end, 64-bit processors are becoming more and more commonplace in home computers. Most manufacturers build computers with 64-bit processors due to cheaper prices and because more users are now using 64-bit operating systems and programs. Computer parts retailers are offering fewer and fewer 32-bit processors and soon may not offer any at all.
NOTE: Feel Free To Comment....
Let me correct few things... (May be I am wrong)
ReplyDelete1) Mostly all processors in current market are x64 ONLY! unless you demand for one like noob.
2) RAM support is dependent on OS architecture. If you have Core i3 but using Windows or any other 32-bit operating system than you cant increase ram above 4GB theoretically! However its possible to do it with minor tweaks.
3) 32-bit is not slower than 64-bit or vice versa.
4) 64-bit app's size increases due to extra libraries for x86 support. Else there no difference in x86 or x64.
Ok Some of your points are worth but as you said most of the processors now days are 64bits but if you take a look at some older systems you will find many 32 bit processors.
Deletesecond is yes speed also depands on os archietecture but it is also true that a 64 bit processor perform faster than 32 bit one because of a fact that is data buss. Data buss is used to move the data around inside your computer.In a 32-bit computer, the width (or size) of the data buss is 32-bits wide. A 64-bit buss is twice as wide so the system can move twice as much data around.
So because of wider data buss 64 bit processor works faster but in only some processes like calculations. and as i mentioned in my article if you are switching from a 64 bit to 32 bit having same graphical configuration then there a negligible change in performance in the processing time...
Third is yes you can improve ram in 32 bit processor but if you will take a look at all bechmarks after improving ram and on total score it will not increase that much in case of 32 bit processor for e.g. if you have 8gb ram in 32 bit processor not matters if it is i3 or i5 the total or max. ram usage will not be more than 4gb...
So because of these 64 bit processor is better than 32 bit Processor in overall performance.... :-)
3 - With PAE enabled we can use more than 4GB, correct?
DeleteYes you can improve ram by enabling PAE and also by using virtual ram or readyBoosted device but as accordind to official microsoft's article
DeletePAE does not change the amount of virtual address space available to a process. Each process running in 32-bit Windows is still limited to a 4 GB virtual address space.
Thats what I am saying 4GB per app process!!!! Who needs more?(Exception are there for workhorse server PCs)
DeleteIts not 4gb per app. It is if you will increase ram with the help of enabling PAE it will allow 32 bit processor to use more than 4gb ram but in some processes that requires higher ram for their processing but the overall ram access will not increase beyond 4gb
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