32 bit vs 64 bit: Key Differences

Matthew MartinByMatthew Martin Hours Updated

What is 32-Bit?

32-bit is a type of CPU architecture which is capable of transferring 32 bits of data. It is the amount of information which can be processed by your CPU whenever it performs an operation.

In this tutorial, you will learn

What is 64-Bit?

In computer architecture, 64 bit refers to the number of bits which should be processed or transmitted in parallel or the number of bits used for a single element in a data format. A 64-bit microprocessor allows computers to process data and memory address which are represented by 64 bits.

KEY DIFFERENCE

  • 32-bit processors have 4 GB addressable space while 64-bit processors have 16 exabytes addressable space.
  • 32-bit systems limited to 3.2 GB of RAM while 64-bit systems will enable you to store up to 17 Billion GB of RAM
  • 32-bit processors need a 32-bit operating system whereas 64-bit processors can run either on 32 or 64 64-bit operating systems.
  • 32-bit processors is not an ideal option for stress testing and multi-tasking whereas 64-bit processors are best for performing multi-tasking and stress testing.
  • 32-bit operating systems and applications require 32-bit CPUs while 64-bit OS demands 64-bit CPU

History of 32-Bit

Here, are important landmarks from the history of 32-bit processors:

  • The 32-bit processor was the main processor which was widely used all over the world in the early 1990s.
  • In 2000 AMD processor and Intel Pentium processors also start using 32-bit processors.

History of 64-Bit

Here, are important landmarks from the history of 64-bit processors:

  • 64-bit CPUs have been used in supercomputers since the 1970s
  • It is used in RISC ( reduced instruction set computing) based workstations and server in the early 1990s.
  • The first AMD64-based processor, the Opteron, was released in April 2003.
  • ARM architecture targeting smartphones and tablet computers first sold on September 2013

Difference between 32-bit vs. 64-bit Operating System

The difference between 32-bit and 64-bit processors are:

Parameter 32-bit processors 64-bit processors
Addressable space It has 4 GB addressable space 64-bit processors have 16 exabytes addressable space
Application support 64-bit applications and programs won’t work 32-bit applications and programs will work
OS support Need a 32-bit operating system. It can run on 32 and the 64-bit operating system.
Support for multi-tasking Not an ideal option for stress testing and multi-tasking. Works best for performing multi-tasking and stress testing.
OS and CPU requirement 32-bit operating systems and applications require 32-bit CPUs 64-bit OS demands 64-bit CPU, and 64-bit applications require 64-bit OS and CPU.
System available Support Windows 7, 8 Vista, XP, and, Linux. Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8,Windows 10, Linux, and Mac OS X.
Memory limits 32-bit systems limited to 3.2 GB of RAM 32 bit Windows. It addresses limitation doesn’t allow you to use full 4GB of Physical memory space. 64-bit systems will enable you to store up to 17 Billion GB of RAM.

Advantages of 32-Bit Processor

Here are important benefits\pros of 32-bit processor:

  • The only advantage that one can mention is that it is compatible with all the older devices which are developed in early 2000 and late 1990.

Advantages of 64-Bit Processor

Here are benefits\pros of using a 64-bit processor:

  • Increased program performance and helps you to take advantage of a 64-bit operating system
  • Enhanced security feature
  • Windows 64-bit with a modern 64-bit processor allows you to take additional protection which is not available to 32-bit users.
  • 64-bit processor offers security protections, which is not limited to hardware kernel patch protection.
  • 64-bit processor allows you to create 16TB of virtual memory. Although 8 TB is allotted for user processes and 8 TB reserve to perform kernel processes.
  • 64-bit processors offer advanced capabilities. It allows you to store 264 computational values.
  • It is possible to have up to 16.8 terabytes of RAM on a 64-bit computer.
  • 64-bit processors offer dual-core, six-core, quad-core, and eight-core versions
  • Multiple cores support to helps you to increased number of calculations that can be performed, which can increase the processing power to makes your computer to run faster.
  • Software programs which need various types of to function smoothly can operate efficiently on the multi-core 64-bit processors.
  • Allows you to access virtual memory per process.

Disadvantages of 32-Bit Processor

Here are important cons/ drawbacks of using a 32-Bit operating system:

  • The biggest drawback is that the vendors no longer develop applications for 32-Bit operating systems.
  • Many processors require a 64-Bit operating system.
  • Manufacturers often do not offer 32-Bit driver versions for their hardware due to a lack of market demand or their product.

Disadvantages of 64-Bit Processor

Here, are some possible drawback of using a 64-bit processor:

  • It is highly unlikely that 64-bit drivers will be available for older systems and hardware.
  • Some old 32-bit software doesn’t make the transition to 64-bit smoothly.

Should I Upgrade to 64-Bit Computers?

If you want to consider replacing your old computers to get better performance, you should better upgrade to 64-bit computers if your software is compatible with a 64-bit processor.

Most computers sold today will have 64-bit processors and more and more software which is available in a 64-bit version. Therefore, you must make sure all of the software you wants should able to run in a 64-bit version.

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