What is the difference between a 32-bit and 64-bit CPU?

Updated: 04/30/2020 by Computer Hope
Computer CPU

The two main categories of processors are 32-bit and 64-bit. The type of processor a computer has not only affects its overall performance, but it can also dictate what type of software it uses.

32-bit processor

The 32-bit processor was the primary processor used in all computers until the early 1990s. Intel Pentium processors and early AMD processors were 32-bit, which means the operating system and software work with data units that are 32 bits wide. Windows 95, 98, and XP are all 32-bit operating systems.

Note

A computer with a 32-bit processor cannot have a 64-bit version of an operating system installed. It can only have a 32-bit version of an operating system installed.

64-bit processor

The 64-bit computer originated in 1961 when IBM created the IBM 7030 Stretch supercomputer. However, it was not put into use in home computers until the early 2000s. Microsoft released a 64-bit version of Windows XP to be used on computers with a 64-bit processor. Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 also come in 64-bit versions.

Note

A computer with a 64-bit processor can have a 64-bit or 32-bit version of an operating system installed. However, with a 32-bit operating system, the 64-bit processor would not run at its full capability.

Note

On a computer with a 64-bit processor, you cannot run a 16-bit legacy program. Many 32-bit programs works with a 64-bit processor and operating system, but some older 32-bit programs may not function properly, or at all, due to limited or no compatibility.

Differences between a 32-bit and 64-bit CPU

A big 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 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 increases the processing power and helps make a computer run faster. Programs that require many calculations to function smoothly can operate faster and more efficiently on the multi-core 64-bit processors, for the most part.

Another big difference between 32-bit processors and 64-bit processors is the maximum amount of RAM (random-access memory) that is supported. 32-bit computers support a maximum of 4 GB (232 bytes) of memory, whereas 64-bit CPUs (central processing unit) can address a theoretical maximum of 18 EB (264 bytes). However, the practical limit of 64-bit CPUs (as of 2023) is 8 TB of addressable RAM.

High amounts of RAM are especially useful for software used in graphic design, engineering, and video editing as these programs have to perform many calculations to render their images.

One thing to note is that 3D graphics programs and games do not benefit much, if at all, unless the program is 64-bit. A 32-bit processor is adequate for any program written for a 32-bit processor. In the case of computer games, if it's designed for 32-bit processors, you'll get more performance by upgrading the video card instead of getting a 64-bit processor. However, if the game is designed for 64-bit processors, upgrading to a 64-bit processor makes a big improvement in the performance of the game.

In the end, 64-bit processors are commonplace in home computers today. Most manufacturers build computers with 64-bit processors due to cheaper prices and because more users are now using 64-bit operating systems and programs. Computer parts retailers are offering fewer and fewer 32-bit processors and soon may not offer any at all.