What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit processors?
There are many
things to keep in mind when buying a new computer. We are looking for RAM size,
processor, GPU, hard drive size .. ect. 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 the many terms that are 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 game, you probably see 32-bit and 64-bit options
available. If you're a Windows user, you should have noticed two folders of
program files - one simply "Program Files" and the other titled
"Program Files (x86)." This Program Files folder is used to store DLL
files from 64-bit applications only. The x86 folder is used to store DLL files
for 32-bit applications.
To install a 64-bit
version of Windows, you need a wizard capable of running a 64-bit version of
Windows. The benefits of using a 64-bit operating system are more useful when
you have a large amount of random access memory (RAM) installed on your
computer, usually 4 GB of RAM or more.
In such cases,
because a 64-bit operating system can handle large amounts of memory more efficiently
than a 32-bit operating system, a 64-bit system can be more responsive when
running multiple programs at the same time and switching between them
frequently.
A computer with a
64-bit processor can have a 64-bit or 32-bit version of the operating system
installed. However, with the 32-bit operating system, a 64-bit processor will
not work 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 one is considered
a "bit". This means for 1-bit computing, you get two possible values;
2-bit means four values; then at 3-bit, multiply that by eight (2³).
If you continue
like this you will eventually get 32 bits (2 to the power of 32) with a value
of 4,294,967,296 and 64 bits (or 2 to the power of 64) with a value of
18,446,744,073,709,551,616.
That's a lot of
bits, and the numbers only show how powerful the chip is that supports higher
computing. It's more than double. So it is clear that a 64-bit processor is
capable of computing more than 32-bit.
These days, you're
likely already running a 64-bit processor with 64-bit operating systems, which
in turn run 64-bit applications (for mobile) or software (for desktop). Windows
7, 8, 8.1 and 10 all came in 32-bit or 64-bit versions, for example.
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