32 bit vs 64 bit Comparison

[zzz2496]

A bit is the basic computer data and is a one or zero. 8 bits make a byte or one character such as a letter or symbol. The CPU addresses data on the bit level and moves it between the hard drive, memory, CPU and back. In a 32 bit system, also called X86, it will move data in a line or stream of data which is 32 bits wide. The 64 bit, X64, will move data 64 bits at a time, or twice as fast.
Software must be designed to take advantage of this 64 bit capability. Windows 7 X64 can run X86, 32 bit software along with 64 bit. The CPU must be 64bit to run a 64 bit OS.

A little correction, a 32 bit processor process a 32bit "word", meaning when you define number ONE in 32bit word it will look like this:

00000000 00000000 00000000 00000001

In 64 bit, number ONE looks like this:

00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000001

Does it moves twice more data? YES. Does it equal to twice as fast (whatever it means, be it twice as fast as processing speed, or twice as fast in transferring data)? Definitely NO. 64 bit extension is a capability to understand a HUGE amount of data, a capability to address a lot more memory addresses, it's just "a lot more".

zzz2496

 

[FerchogtX]

So, basically this means that we get more memory adresses to work, in short, breaking the 2 GB limit, but speed is not increased... sounds logical sinces speed depends on processor cycles and speed, along with MB Bus speed and other factors...

Am I right?

See ya!!

 

[zzz2496]

so, basically this means that we get more memory adresses to work, in short, breaking the 2 gb limit, but speed is not increased... Sounds logical sinces speed depends on processor cycles and speed, along with mb bus speed and other factors...

Am i right?

See ya!! :d

bingo !!!! :d

 

[Britton30]

Quote : Additional Information:
Windows 7 retail edition will come with 2 install DVDs, a x32 and x64. You can install EITHER version on your computer, but not BOTH. The retail key you received will work with both versions, but is only authorized for one install at a time.Unquote

My Dell Studio 1535 came with Vista and x32. When I tried to instal Windows 7 x64, it did not work so I had to use the x32 version.

When my computer came back from a repair shop, it had the x64 installed! When I had to reformat myself (another problem) I used the x64 version CD, succesfully.

Yes, I have both the x32 and the x64 versions. But when I use the x64 version, Adobe Reader or Flash Player does not work (I cannot see a picture/crossword puzzle). I have to then use the x32 version.

Should I just de-install the x64 version and install the x32 version with my CD?

TIA,

Guy

I think you are referring to the different versions of Internet Explorer. Any sit visible in 32 bit will be visible in 64 bit. you may need to update or install Java.

 

[Britton30]

A bit is the basic computer data and is a one or zero. 8 bits make a byte or one character such as a letter or symbol. The CPU addresses data on the bit level and moves it between the hard drive, memory, CPU and back. In a 32 bit system, also called X86, it will move data in a line or stream of data which is 32 bits wide. The 64 bit, X64, will move data 64 bits at a time, or twice as fast.
Software must be designed to take advantage of this 64 bit capability. Windows 7 X64 can run X86, 32 bit software along with 64 bit. The CPU must be 64bit to run a 64 bit OS.

A little correction, a 32 bit processor process a 32bit "word", meaning when you define number ONE in 32bit word it will look like this:

00000000 00000000 00000000 00000001

In 64 bit, number ONE looks like this:

00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000001

Does it moves twice more data? YES. Does it equal to twice as fast (whatever it means, be it twice as fast as processing speed, or twice as fast in transferring data)? Definitely NO. 64 bit extension is a capability to understand a HUGE amount of data, a capability to address a lot more memory addresses, it's just "a lot more".

zzz2496

So all "words" in a x86 Os are 32bits and all in a x64 system are 64bits? there cannot be, say, a 8bit word? The binary representation of decimal 1 is 0001. 4 bits? What is "ISA"?

 

[zzz2496]

A bit is the basic computer data and is a one or zero. 8 bits make a byte or one character such as a letter or symbol. The CPU addresses data on the bit level and moves it between the hard drive, memory, CPU and back. In a 32 bit system, also called X86, it will move data in a line or stream of data which is 32 bits wide. The 64 bit, X64, will move data 64 bits at a time, or twice as fast.
Software must be designed to take advantage of this 64 bit capability. Windows 7 X64 can run X86, 32 bit software along with 64 bit. The CPU must be 64bit to run a 64 bit OS.

A little correction, a 32 bit processor process a 32bit "word", meaning when you define number ONE in 32bit word it will look like this:

00000000 00000000 00000000 00000001

In 64 bit, number ONE looks like this:

00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000
00000000 00000000 00000000 00000001

Does it moves twice more data? YES. Does it equal to twice as fast (whatever it means, be it twice as fast as processing speed, or twice as fast in transferring data)? Definitely NO. 64 bit extension is a capability to understand a HUGE amount of data, a capability to address a lot more memory addresses, it's just "a lot more".

zzz2496

So all "words" in a x86 Os are 32bits and all in a x64 system are 64bits? there cannot be, say, a 8bit word? The binary representation of decimal 1 is 0001. 4 bits? What is "ISA"?

When you use the standard x86 instructions, it's 32 bit word, when you invoke the 64 bit extension, you use 64 bit word. But the true advantage of 64 bit is the expansion of address space.

As for ISA, read Instruction set - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

zzz2496

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hummm

This is getting to be very informative so to (sort of dumb) me this all means that a 64bit system is back compatable to whatever bit system proceeded it?

Just that you cannot run a higher bit software on a lower bit system.

To analogise you can shove 10 gallons of water at a set rate down a 4 inch tube (32bit) and shove 2000 or 10 gallons at the same rate down a 12 inch tube (64bit) but not 2000 gallons down the 4 inch tube (32bit)?? (Taking into account that the control valve opening (bus speed) of the water flow system is set at maximum in both examples)

 

[Lordbob75]

This is getting to be very informative so to (sort of dumb) me this all means that a 64bit system is back compatable to whatever bit system proceeded it?

Just that you cannot run a higher bit software on a lower bit system.

To analogise you can shove 10 gallons of water at a set rate down a 4 inch tube (32bit) and shove 2000 or 10 gallons at the same rate down a 12 inch tube (64bit) but not 2000 gallons down the 4 inch tube (32bit)?? (Taking into account that the control valve opening (bus speed) of the water flow system is set at maximum in both examples)

Not quite, the reason x32 programs work on x64 windows is because MS put a program feature in that can allow that.

~Lordbob

 

[zzz2496]

This is getting to be very informative so to (sort of dumb) me this all means that a 64bit system is back compatable to whatever bit system proceeded it?

Just that you cannot run a higher bit software on a lower bit system.

To analogise you can shove 10 gallons of water at a set rate down a 4 inch tube (32bit) and shove 2000 or 10 gallons at the same rate down a 12 inch tube (64bit) but not 2000 gallons down the 4 inch tube (32bit)?? (Taking into account that the control valve opening (bus speed) of the water flow system is set at maximum in both examples)

x86 is x86-64, the difference is just the 64 bit extension. As for backward compatibility, it was Intel's decision not to throw away CISC x86 legacy architecture. The first move was from 8080 to 8086 (8 bit to 16 bit), the second move was 80286 to 80386 (16 bit to 32 bit), and the last one was made by AMD, the 64 bit extension - first in AMD Opteron.

Have a read x86-64 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

zzz2496

 

[Shukaku]

I used to use 32-bit. However, since I'm a major YouTube Let's Player, I had lots of problems with lag, since the game wasn't getting the amount of RAM it needed and therefore Fraps lagged heavily. After converting to 64-bit, all such lag is gone.

I always recommend 64-bit, simply because of the very high RAM Memory limits, which are very unlikely to be exceeded, as you'd need a lot of RAM slots to fit up to 128GB Memory in your PC

 

[synsei]

Hmmm, I kinda closed the door after the horse bolted. I installed Win7 x64 on my desktop machine thinking it would improve it somewhat. Had I read this post first I would have installed x32 instead seeing as I have only 2gb of RAM installed on this machine. It does explain why it struggles a bit with some memory intensive tasks

 

[Big Tom]

great thread. thanks for the info

 

[stacey1981]

64 Bit all the way. Need it to address all of my RAM.

 

[tarun chaudhary]

very nice.......

 

[RedStar]

Good analysis.

I use 64 bit.

 

[CloudS]

Are there different versions of Games for 32 and 64? I know Softwares have but don't know about games.

 

[Lordbob75]

Are there different versions of Games for 32 and 64? I know Softwares have but don't know about games.

Some do and some don't, it depends on the game.

~Lordbob

 

[chun96]

Is my computer suitable to run in the 64-bit environment?(Based on my written system spec)

 

[FerchogtX]

Is my computer suitable to run in the 64-bit environment?(Based on my written system spec)

Well, based on my own experience, x64 could run fine in your machine, your processor looks enogh for it, also your 2 Gigs of RAM... my lap was originally running W7 HB with more or less your specs, but it wouldn't hurt if you add 2 GB more in a near future , otherwise you can consider swithching to x32 since you only use 2 GB

See ya!!!

 

[chun96]

Well, based on my own experience, x64 could run fine in your machine, your processor looks enogh for it, also your 2 Gigs of RAM... my lap was originally running W7 HB with more or less your specs, but it wouldn't hurt if you add 2 GB more in a near future , otherwise you can consider swithching to x32 since you only use 2 GB

See ya!!!

What is "Windows 7 HB"?

Also, would it be very slow if I run 64-bit Windows using only 2GB RAM?