My mom wants me to get a 64-bit processor laptop, but what I've heard is that 64-bit's aren't compatible with many games. So i told her I want a 32-bit. She says that since there are 2 kinds and what I understand after she screamed at me, that because 64-bit is a higher number, that 32-bit processors will soon be taken over by them. And that, if I do get a 32-bit that everything will soon be compatible for only 64-bits.
Is this true, cause I don't believe her, because XP is still being made for both 32-bit and 64-bit processors. And if 64-bits were taking over 32-bits then why would they make a vista 64-bit AND a 32-bit and why would NEW computers have 32-bit or 64-bit processors if 64-bit was "The way of the future"?
I just don't get it. Could ya help me out?
2007-06-09 11:54:19 · 9 answers · asked by Brian P 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
As others have pointed out, this is not an issue you need to worry about. 64 bit processors will run either a 32 bit operating system or a 64 bit operating system, and a 64 bit operating system will run either 32 bit programs or 64 bit programs. So it is quite simple, get a 64 bit processor, it will run everything ou now and will be good for the future, when 64 bit does eventually overtake 32 bit.
2007-06-09 17:57:37 · answer #1 · answered by mysticman44 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of the popular processors like AMD 64 and Intel EMT64 support 32bit softwares. Its not the other way around unfortunately where 32 bit processors do not support 64 bit softwares. I'm not as familiar on how Linux handles this but Microsoft's XP x64 supports 32 bit emulation so you can use programs that were made in 32 bit under windows. Be aware you cannot use 32 bit device drivers for like your sound card or video, those have to be 64 bit
2016-05-21 01:21:05 · answer #2 · answered by librada 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your mom is right to a certain extent. 64 bit processors are a new generation of processors that process double the bits of a 32 bit in the same amount of time. 64 bit processors will NOT soon takeover but they will take over in about 6 years. Get the 64 bit processor though. Although the games don't take advantage of the 64 bits it can still play at 32 bit. 64 bits can play 32 bits and 64 bits.
2007-06-09 13:07:10 · answer #3 · answered by captn_sal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
64-bit machines are backwards compatible with 32-bit games, so you're fine on that front.
The reason 32-bit processors are still being sold is because they're less expensive than their 64-bit counterparts.
64-bit also *currently* is actually a bit worse than 32-bit because you're addressing longer memory addresses, which makes things run *slightly* slower due to the buses and memory not being twice as fast to match. However, this will likely change in the future when the buses and memory are sped up.
64-bit is also definitely the way of the future because they're capped at a ridiculous amount of RAM, whereas 32-bit processors are capped at 4 GB of RAM. Computers will have to make the jump to 64-bit eventually to overcome that obstacle.
2007-06-09 13:59:50 · answer #4 · answered by Ricky Romero 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If XP was not out in a 64 bit version, then it will never arrive. Hardware upgrades for peripherals will come along. As more 64 bit machines hit the market, the peripherals will come along to match. Once that happens, they will start to drop 32 bit compatibility. Just try getting a new printer to run with a 16 bit processor.
2007-06-09 12:05:01 · answer #5 · answered by St N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
64 bits are actually better. Intel's 64 bit chips (Core2Duo) are better than AMD cause I tested them and all my reviewers agree. So do companies. Anyways, your mom doesn't know what she is talking about.
32 bit are made for games because 64 bit games use alot of memory
2007-06-09 12:01:24 · answer #6 · answered by Michael C 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
64bit processors are fine to get, just use a 32bit windows version on it and you will be fine,... the 64bit version of windows or ubuntu aren't 100% compatible with certain hardware and software which can suck at times, but as far as the processor goes, you will be fine with a 64
2007-06-09 12:00:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no time soon. the 64 bit puters have been out for over 10 years. you have some time before people jump to 64bit.
2007-06-09 12:21:28 · answer #8 · answered by agello24 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes they will, no matter how much people hate/or think diif. 64bit is twice the bandwidth, therefor much better at photo editing and dvd creations, along with photo edit...here's some info for ya 64 bit has been around for about 7yrs now!!! all your mainframes and servers are 64bit...
2007-06-09 12:05:41 · answer #9 · answered by megamix1972 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋