Currently, when you are going to download any program or application on your computer, they usually give you two options to choose from. The first one refers to downloading the 32-bit version and, on the other hand, they also provide an alternative to download the 64-bit version .
Thus, basically, they refer to the type of central processing unit of 32 or 64 bits and, with which, a version for each quantity of the same arises. Therefore, there are already some apps that, on their own, decide that they will pass from one version to another on your device, depending on the characteristics of it, to optimize it as well.
But well, many users really don’t know what these amounts of bits mean, even though they handle computers that contain them. Therefore, in this post we announce the main features of each of these CPUs, as well as their differences .
Index:
Main features of a 32-bit CPU
It is said that a processor, by law, is the most important device on the computer. Given that, it is the one that is responsible for processing all the information contained therein and added to it, it also includes everything that refers to the work speed of the PC >. Indeed, it is one of the most important features of these equipment that are so used today.
Once the above is clarified, it is essential to know the most important features of a 32-bit CPU , in order to later understand the most notable differences between a 32 or 64-bit processor.
Here are the highlights:
- The architecture of a 32-bit CPU is an adjective used to describe integers, memory addresses and data units, in general; that comprise up to 32 bits or, failing that, four octets.
- From the beginning, 32-bit operating systems used Windows 95.
- Supports a Total 4 GB of RAM and this can be extended up to 64 GB, depending on the processor used by the computer.
- As of 1982, it was shown that the CPUs of 32 bits featured the ability to increase system performance .
- It is known that the range of natural values that can be stored in 32 bits, range from 0 to 4,294 .967.295 .
- The data and address buses are wider than 32 bits , even though they are stored internally in the processor as quantities of 32 bits.
Main features of a 64-bit processor
Beyond the 16 and 32 bit processors, there are the 64 bit ones. Being these, a newer technology that, of course, surpasses the others in the application of processes, safety, speed, time, etc. But well, to know its main differences with respect to the 32-bit CPU, we first refer to the most valuable features of this processor :
- Generally, the 64-bit computer architecture comprises data units that reach up to 24 bits or, failing that, eight octets in width in total .
- 64-bit processors have about a decade on the market , being massively introduced into computers. Since, since 1960, they have existed in supercomputers.
- In terms of security and agility, this technology is the best that exists , until the moment.
- These types of processors have the ability to theoretically address up to 16 exabytes of memory .
- Allows a maximum of 192 GB. , that is, 48 times more than a 32-bit CPU is capable of supporting.
Comparison between 32 and 64 bit processors What are the differences?
Now, let’s start with the comparison between both processors. Thus highlighting, its most prominent differences today and, with which, a conclusion can be made about which is better for a computer, around security, speed, productivity and other aspects of great interest.
RAM memory
While it is true, the most marked distinction between both architectures is its ability to manage a certain amount of RAM . Given that, 32-bit processors do not show as much capacity, with respect to this particularity, unlike 64-bit ones. Taking into account that, the latter can use up to 16 Exabytes , which translates into a total of 16 million Terabytes.
On the other hand, if, for example, you have a PC with 8 or 16 GB of RAM, a 32-bit operating system will only be able to take advantage of a maximum of 4 GB . Which, can influence when opening a certain number of applications at the same time.
For example, it can work perfectly by keeping three or four applications open, but if you use more than that amount, you will surely need more RAM . Fortunately, this does not happen in 64-bit processors, as many can work with up to 128 and 512 GB of RAM.
In short, it is claimed that 64-bit CPUs are much better, because it is the ability to manage the RAM of a computer. Therefore, if you are one of the users who use your computer attached directly to the multifunction , it is best to use a 64 processor.
Efficiency
Beyond installing much more RAM in the system, 64-bit processors also exhibit more efficient use of such RAM . This, mainly because the memory consumed by the secondary systems can be significantly less.
Like, for example, your video card. Which, it shows completely on the machine, even if only the physical amount of RAM can be doubled. This means that, in terms of efficiency during processes, the 32-bit CPU is not the most optimal and, on the contrary, the 64-bit CPU is .
Speed
Thanks to the fact that with 32 bits only a total of 2 GB of memory can be allocated to each application and theoretically, the 64 bits are capable of reaching up to 8 TB, it is ratified that computers with these latest processors show greater speed when executing anything . That is, they can do more in less time, compared to 32-bit ones.
Which is mainly due to the fact that more virtual memory can be allocated per process. Usually, this is noticeable during the use of highly demanding programs around memory usage , such as the renowned Photoshop or AutoCAD .
However, it is valuable to note that when talking about a higher speed, does not mean that the applications installed on the 64-bit computer are always the fastest , since this depends on the way to operate, the requirements of each application and the state of the system at the time.
Security
Another of the most important aspects to consider, is the security that each of these types of processors exhibits.
Well, as for the modern 64-bit processor, it is valuable to note that this has advanced protections that add DEP hardware, Kernel patch protection (protects the computer against kernel exploits ) and, in addition, device drivers must be digitally signed, mandatory. The latter, decreases the risk of infections related to controllers .
On the contrary, none of these security features are available to users of 32-bit processors. Thus, it can be concluded that, in reference to security, 64-bit ones are more advantageous .
Utility
Another of the biggest differences between both processors is its usefulness. In general, 32-bit processors are recommended for an average user who basically does not need so much RAM to run the main processes that are performed in the home environment. That is, this CPU class is ideal for personal use . Of course, taking into account that these are not capable of running 64-bit operating systems, at any time.
On the other hand, 64-bit processors are used by companies and / or companies that require remarkable power to manage and process large-scale data. Being fully indicated, make use of 64-bit operating systems for it.
How do I know if my operating system is running in 32 or 64 bits?
Because the 32-bit processor is considered older than the 64-bit processor, it is possible to claim that any equipment you buy today, will be 64-bit . However, many times users want to manage how to know if their operating system is running in 32 or 64 bits , especially if they are about to acquire a second-hand computer.
Well, fortunately, doing this is very easy. Therefore, here are the steps you must take to achieve this, either on a Windows 10 computer or even on a Linux or Mac computer .
In Windows 10
While it is true, one of the operating systems that has the greatest presence in the computer world, is Windows. Especially, its newest version that is Windows 10 and, in effect, we begin by indicating the process to be done when you want to know if your operating system is running with 32 or 64 bits , in Windows 10.
In this way, you should do the following:
On Linux
On the other hand, we find the possibility of knowing what type of processor your computer works with, when it belongs to the renowned Linux operating system . In this case, the process to be carried out is also very simple and here we indicate it step by step:
On the other hand, if you prefer to do it with a keyboard shortcut, simply use the commands “ arch ” or “ uname-m ” and any of them, shows you information about the architecture of your operating system.
On Mac
To know this important information on a Mac, there are two ways to do it. The first one is through the data provided by Intel :
For its part, the other method to follow is also very simple. This is based on finding out through the Terminal program, which opens from “ Spotlight ” or through “ Launchpad ”. p>
Thus, when accessing this program, you must type the command “ uname –a ” and after that, press “Enter”. This will yield a result by which it is possible to know if the computer is running with 32 bits or 64 bits :
- If the display shows “ RELEASE i386 ”, it is indicating that the system is 32 bits.
- If “ appears on the screen RELEASE x86_64 ”, means that the computer is 64 bits.
How to pass my Windows OS from the 32-bit version to the version 64-bit?
In view of the excellent advantages of the 64-bit version of Windows, many users that contain the 32-bit version are interested in knowing if it is possible to change this to a 64-bit one . Luckily, there is such a possibility and it is very easy to do.
In this sense, the process to be carried out to achieve this change in Windows is as follows: