Difference Between 32-bit and 64-bit Operating System
A major difference between 32-bit processors and 64-bit processors is the number of calculations per second they can perform, which affects the speed at which they can complete tasks. 64-bit processors can come in dual-core, quad-core, six-core, and eight-core versions for home computing. Multiple cores allow for an increased number of calculations per second that can be performed, which can increase the processing power and help make a computer run faster. Software programs that require many calculations to function smoothly can operate faster and more efficiently on multi-core 64-bit processors, for the most part.
Feature | 32-bit OS | 64-bit OS |
---|---|---|
Memory | Maximum of 4 GB RAM | Maximum of several terabytes of RAM |
Processor | Can run on both 32-bit and 64-bit processors | Requires a 64-bit processor |
Performance | Limited by the maximum amount of RAM it can access | Can take advantage of more memory, enabling faster performance |
Compatibility | Can run 32-bit and 16-bit applications | Can run 32-bit and 64-bit applications |
Address Space | Uses 32-bit address space | Uses 64-bit address space |
Hardware support | May not support newer hardware | Supports newer hardware with 64-bit drivers |
Security | Limited security features | More advanced security features, such as hardware-level protection |
Application support | Limited support for new software | Supports newer software designed for 64-bit architecture |
Price | Less expensive than 64-bit OS | More expensive than 32-bit OS |
Multitasking | Can handle multiple tasks but with limited efficiency | Can handle multiple tasks more efficiently |
Gaming | Can run high graphical games, but may not be as efficient as with 64-bit OS | Can run high graphical games and handle complex software more efficiently |
Virtualization | Limited support for virtualization | Better support for virtualization |
Difference Between 32-bit and 64-bit Operating Systems
In computing, there are two types of processors existing, i.e., 32-bit and 64-bit processors. These types of processors tell us how much memory a processor can access from a CPU register. For instance,
A 32-bit system can access 232 different memory addresses, i.e. 4 GB of RAM or physical memory ideally, it can access more than 4 GB of RAM also.
A 64-bit system can access 264 different memory addresses, i.e. actually 18-quintillion bytes of RAM. In short, any amount of memory greater than 4 GB can be easily handled by it.
Table of Content
- What is a 32-Bit Operating System?
- What is a 64-Bit Operating System?
- Difference Between 32-bit and 64-bit Operating System
- Advantages of 64-bit Over 32-bit