64bit v 32bit Processors. Reasons which is better and why?

Answer 1

each bit is a lane of traffic for data, like lanes on a highway. The more lanes of traffic, the more data can flow at the same time. HOWEVER, programs have to be written to utilize the 64 lanes or else they won't even try to go beyond using 32 lanes (for 32 bit programs).

64 Bit systems are fastest available, BUT there are current limitations:
1. You have to use 64 bit operating systems and programs to fully obtain the benefits
2. Windows 64 bit edition does not support MOST older 16bit programs (Shouldn't be a problem for most people, but some people do have favorite DOS games or utilities or little applications that won't work anymore).
3. Hardware makers NEED to support 64 operating systems - you cannot use a 32 bit driver on a 64 bit operating system in 99.9% of cases (maybe 100%). If your hardware vendor doesn't have a 64bit driver, you can't use the hardware or you can't use it at it's greatest level.

For NOW, I tend to suggest you stick with 32bit for broader compatibility. UNLESS you have a specific purpose with specific 64bit programs. In a couple of years though, probably with Windows Vista, when you decide to go to that, that's when you should probably switch to 64bit.

Answer 2

At present, for the average consumer, it's only really necessary to have a 32 bit processor. However, in future, as more 64bit versions of software and operating systems are released, there will be more occasions on which a 64bit processor will be required.

If you want to spec out a PC that will last, pick a 64bit AMD CPU which is compatible with a few similar, higher-end CPUs. The AMD CPUs are still efficient at processing 32bit instructions, and as the newer CPUs come down in price, you will be able to replace your current chip without installing a new motherboard.

If you are a UNIX/Linux user with a 64bit CPU, you may wish to recompile the software you use on your system to take advantage of the 64bit processor -- the speed difference in CPU intensive programs should be significant. Windows users can use 64bit versions of Windows now, also (but I am still using a 32bit OS because I am lazy ;) ).

Given that PCs become obsolete so quickly, I recommend building a scalable PC. Look for a motherboard that is compatible with the widest range of /new/ hardware (CPU, video card and RAM slots are the big factors here), then just buy hardware that is sufficient for your needs -- you'll be able to swap it with better stuff later on.

I've purposefully not told you which technologies to look for here because they will change. Seek advice from your local computer store (unless, of course, it is A&R Computers ;) ).

Answer 3

64 bit cpu's can address more memory, instructions can be better handled.

However, having a 64bit cpu and a 32bit os is pointless.

You will soon see 64bit versions of applications which will run on 64bit os's and then the difference will be revealed.

XP Pro does com in a 64bit flavour and there are quite a few 64 bit driver solutions. However, as most programs (99.9%) are still written in 32 bit, they will not be fully utilising the cpu.

I would buy a 64bit NOW, and wait for the programs, mainly because the 32bit cpu's are getting harder to find.

Answer 4

1st u must know what is the meaning of 32bit and 64bit
32 bit means that the regesters and the buses of the microproccessor is 32bit width and that means the data is handeled in the proccessor in 32bit packet and it also means it can address 2^32=4GB memory
64 bit means 64bit buses and regesters that means this proccessor can handel data in 64 bit packets and address much more memory 2^64"alot of memory"
but u must take note of something before u say 64 bit is better than32 bit:
1-to take advantge of the extra bits u must use a specially written programs to use the extar bits
2- the hardware must have the bus that can handel 64 bit of data
so if u use any ordenary program "the ones in the market nowdays" u will not find any differance between 64 and 32 bit proccessors
but in a couple of years u can find that kind of programs
so i recommend that u get the 64 bit proccesor now if u have a little bit of extra cash

Answer 5

The true benefits of this set up don’t come from the amount of bits, but by the improved structure of the 64 bit vs 32 bit processor's older structure. A 64-bit processor is made with more advanced silicon processes, have more transistors, and faster speeds. This is currently where the true benefit of switching to a 64-bit processor lays.

In 64bit processors the data transfer bandwidth is almost twice comparing with the 32bit



Neo

Answer 6

The cost difference is minimal if any. The benefits of a 64 bit processor are good, and they'll get even better and other hardware becomes better equipped to hadnle the extra bandwidth. Plus 64-bit motherboards have a faster busspeeds. The 64-bit it most definitely a better option.

Answer 7

Why not ask should we keep DOS or go to WINDOWS For Work Groups? Or should we still use Windows 95, or NT 4.0, why upgrade from Windows 2000 to XP. Why not use a Zenith 248 with dual floppies? 64 bits on one clock cycle is a lot better than 32 bits on a clock cycle! If you do not need to buy a new computer then wait until you do need to. If you MUST by a new system now, then buy it with the new tech. don't waste your money on what is on its way out the door!

Answer 8

Go to a computer store and do a side by side comparison.You would have to have a 64 bit operating system to use a 64 bit processor.XP 64 bit would say x64 on the background display.There are no professional definitive here.You could e-mail a computer manufacturer and you would get a minimal response.Grey zone--on your own.I noticed no difference in performance.Some software didn't work.

Answer 9

currently I'm running XP 64Bit. I've not notice a big diffrence in performance. It's not as stable as the standard XP and Itunes is not supported on XP 64. All of the Itunes version work except for the newest one version 6.05. I am running Itunes 6.04 and needed to download a utility to let me burn on to cds.

Answer 10

think of the processors as a single lane of traffic in both directions. thats 32 bit processor

a double lane of traffic in both directions, thats 64 bit prodessor.

the difference is more data flow because of the extra lane, as you are inputting data, it is also being returned at the same time, with a 64 bit processor