Difference between x64 and x86
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ragnoti
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pyvyfa -
pyvyfa -
Hello,
I would like to know what the difference is between a Windows x64 and x86 please thank you..
I would like to know what the difference is between a Windows x64 and x86 please thank you..
6 answers
Hi,
actually, it's the number of bits that processors can operate on:
On the other hand, the x64 processor range from AMD can work on 64 bits... that's more memory than you can buy!!!!
That said, you can use a x64 processor with an OS (Operating System, like Linux or Windows or others) that can only handle 32 bits. This is generally the case when you install a simple Windows on your PC.
However, you can install a x64 Windows that will be able to manage a lot of memory (in reality, not as much as 2^64 due to physical buses but it's already pretty good in general). It will therefore place a lot of things in there and avoid long disk access! The system should be more responsive and less demanding on the processor (in theory).
actually, it's the number of bits that processors can operate on:
- the x86 range from Intel is 32 bits (which you call x32 and does not exist). It can address 2^32 memory addresses, which is 4294967296 or 4GB. This means that there's no point in having more than 4GB of memory with a processor of this type.
On the other hand, the x64 processor range from AMD can work on 64 bits... that's more memory than you can buy!!!!
That said, you can use a x64 processor with an OS (Operating System, like Linux or Windows or others) that can only handle 32 bits. This is generally the case when you install a simple Windows on your PC.
However, you can install a x64 Windows that will be able to manage a lot of memory (in reality, not as much as 2^64 due to physical buses but it's already pretty good in general). It will therefore place a lot of things in there and avoid long disk access! The system should be more responsive and less demanding on the processor (in theory).
We need to be a bit more precise because right now, it might seem like with an Intel processor you need a 32-bit X86 OS and with an AMD processor you can install a 64-bit X64 OS, which is completely false.
Both brands offer processors that are either 64-bit compatible or not (which is becoming increasingly rare).
The 32-bit is called x86 due to Intel's naming convention :)