What is the Difference between 32-bit and 64-bit System Type?

Difference between 32-bit and 64-bit Processor

If we talk about computers, a system CPU (processor) is based on two different architectures named as 32-bit and 64-bit. There is a difference between 32-bit and 64-bit system type.

In technical terms, 32-bit is also known as x86 and 64-bit known as x64.

Basically, system types are all about the processing power of a computer.

The CPU or central processing unit of a computer is like a brain of your machine.

[Read: Important Full Form of Computer Terms]

The computers hold 32-bit processors are older, bit slower, less secure and oppositely, a 64-bit processor is faster and more secure in comparison to 32-bit system type.

The type of processor is being used in your computer, tells you the overall performance and what kind of software’s can be installed or used in it.

32-bit vs 64-bit

There are many differences between x86 (32bit) and x64 (64bit) system type as below:

32-bit System Processor

In the early stage of computers, initially, the 32-bit system processor was introduced in 1990’s. This is why Windows 95, 98, Windows Millennium and Windows XP have 32-bit operating systems.

64-bit System Processor

Microsoft has released its first 64-bit system processor with Windows XP in early 2000.

Therefore, later, Windows editions such as Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10 comes in 64-bit versions along with 32-bit.

[Read: What is Windows Operating System and Its History?]

Difference-between-32-bit-and-64-bit

Key Difference Between 32-bit and 64-bit

S.No. 32-bit Processor 64-bit Processor
1. The number of calculations per second is slow The number of calculations per second is faster than 32-bit
2. It completes tasks slower It completes tasks faster
3. Intel Pentium II, Pentium III, AMD Athlon, Intel Pentium 4, Intel Pentium M, Intel Core and Intel Core Duo or Solo fall in 32-bit category 64-bit processors come with dual-core, quad-core, six-core and eight-core versions
4. 32-bit computers support a maximum of 4 GB RAM whereas 64-bit computers support more than 4 GB RAM
5. 3D graphics programs and games do not run properly with the 32-bit processor 3D graphics programs and games run smoothly in 64-bit processor
6. The only 32-bit operating system can be installed Can install both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems
7. Only supports 32-bit programs or applications Few x86 programs and application can be installed in x64

Note:

  • A computer which has a 32bit processor, cannot install a 64bit version of Windows operating system. It can only install 32-bit version of the OS.
  • A computer which has a 64bit processor, can install a 64bit or a 32-bit version of Windows operating system. Although, with a 32bit OS, the 64bit processor may not run with its full capability.
  • In the computer which has a x64 processor, the user cannot run 16-bit legacy programs. Apart, many x86 programs work on a 64bit processor and operating system.
  • Possibly, some of the older 32-bit applications may not function properly, due to limited or no compatibility.

[Read: How to Check Windows Version of Your Computer?]

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2 thoughts on “What is the Difference between 32-bit and 64-bit System Type?

  1. Mr.Sandeep your content is laudable. Keep it up. You have deeply elaborated and explained in the most understandable way so that a normal person who is new to the tech world easily understands and gains his knowledge.

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