In the modern computer market, there is a steady trend: instead of 32-bit operating systems, 64-bit operating systems are gaining popularity. Accordingly, manufacturers of PC equipment are starting to produce hardware adapted to the specifics of the respective software products... What are the features of a 64-bit OS? Which OS is characterized by higher performance - 32- discharge system or 64? What's best for the modern user?
What is the difference between 32 and 64 bits?
First, a few facts. Before deciding which type of OS is preferable - 32-bit system or 64, which is better of them, let's examine how they actually differ.
Digital information is transmitted in bits that represent zeros or ones. With 1 bit, 2 commands can thus be encrypted. In turn, with the help of 32 bits, the number of possible commands increases by several tens of degrees. When it comes to 64 bits, even more. Thus, it becomes obvious, for example, which Windows - 32 or 64-bit, is faster. Microsoft releases both types of OS versions. Is there between them fundamental differences in the aspect of the interface and other nuances of work?
Are there any differences between 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems in terms of usage?
Relatively speaking, which "seven" is better - 32 or 64-bit, in terms of ease of management? Basically, no difference in this aspect between the specified Windows versions no. All the differences between them come down to the support of the teams. These are processed almost invisibly to the user. As we noted above, 64-bit instructions predetermine higher digital data transfer rates. However, this parameter is not the only criterion of effectiveness. computer system... A number of other aspects of the operating system are important, such as, for example, stability, versatility, resource intensity, the level of support for various hardware components.
Let's examine which OS has the most advantages for the modern user - 32-bit or 64. What is better in terms of running popular games and programs?
Comparison between 32 and 64-bit operating systems: stability
The stability of the OS is predetermined primarily by the quality of interaction between the corresponding and hardware components of the PC. In many ways, its level depends on the compatibility of the OS with the drivers that are produced by the manufacturer of this or that device. In this aspect, the difference between a 32-bit and 64-bit system can be significant, and a brand that has released some hardware component for a 32-bit OS may take time to prepare and test a driver for a 64-bit operating system.
Note that the world's leading hardware manufacturers, on the whole, successfully avoid situations in which the owner of a 64-bit OS cannot find the required software for the purchased device. But this thesis is true mainly for new devices. Those that were purchased even before the mass distribution of 64-bit PCs - around the beginning of the 2010s - may not always be installed correctly due to the lack of up-to-date drivers.
Comparison between 32 and 64-bit OS: versatility
An operating system that belongs to the category of 32 or 64-bit solutions requires installation on a PC that can support the operation of the corresponding OS. That is, you can correctly install a 32-bit OS only on a PC with a 32-bit processor. The same pattern is typical for 64-bit operating systems. In this sense, there is generally no mutual compatibility between operating systems, and their universality becomes limited.
Resource intensity
The operation of any OS requires hardware resources - primarily the computing power of the processor, as well as the amount of RAM. Which system is better - 32 or 64-bit - in terms of resource intensity? We noted above that a bit is a unit of data transmission. If we are talking about a large amount of information, then, accordingly, additional resources will be required to work with it. Therefore, it is quite natural that 32-bit operating systems are much less demanding on resources than 64-bit ones. If, for example, 2 GB of RAM for a computer with a 32-bit operating system, in principle, is considered a normal indicator, then for the full functioning of a 64-bit OS this resource is minimal. It is desirable that the amount of RAM is 4 GB or more.
As for the processor resources, in principle, if we are talking about 64-bit chips, then their structure contains the necessary technological components in order to satisfy the OS's need for computing speed. Therefore, it cannot be said that 32-bit and 64-bit windows versions are fundamentally different in terms of CPU consumption.
Hardware component support
Above we noted that for the 64-bit OS to work correctly, the computer must have up-to-date drivers. But their presence guarantees the stability of the PC, primarily at the software level. It is also necessary that the OS has hardware compatibility with the key hardware components. As for such devices as, for example, a graphics accelerator, lAN card, printer - from the point of view of compatibility with those, it does not matter what OS is on the computer.
In turn, when it comes to support for RAM modules, the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems can be significant. The point is that 32-bit operating systems do not support RAM modules larger than 4 GB. In turn, 64-bit operating systems are fully compatible with those.
It is another matter whether in practice the user has to use memory resources exceeding 4 GB. If the PC is used primarily for the Internet, office applications, then the need to use even half of the specified amount of RAM may not arise. It's another matter if the PC is used for games. Let's consider which OS may be preferable in this case.
Which OS is the best for gaming?
What better system for the game - 32 or 64-bit? Provided full hardware and software compatibility an installed OS with hardware, higher performance, due to the objective reasons that we have outlined above, will generally have a 64-bit OS.
But this rule has an exception: in the algorithms of the program code in the game itself, support for 64-bit instructions must be provided. If this criterion is not met, then the user will most likely not notice a practical difference in the comfort of the gaming process.
Which OS is the best for applications?
Which OS, in turn, is more optimal for running applications - 32-bit or 64-bit? What's better? In this case, the pattern is approximately the same as in the case of games.
If the user has a 64-bit PC, and program code of the application involved, algorithms for processing 64-bit commands are implemented, then the corresponding software will work faster. If not, then a person will not feel much difference in computer performance.
Are Megahertz a Priority?
In the environment of modern users, the point of view is widespread, according to which a higher PC speed can be achieved not by "doubling" the bits - that is, by switching from 32-bit processors and OS to 64-bit, but by optimizing hardware resources directly affecting PC performance. Such as, for example, the frequency of the processor.
According to many experts and users, it may be more efficient, in particular, to replace a 32-bit chip operating at 1.2 GHz with one that works at 2.4 GHz than replacing it with a 64-bit microcircuit operating at the same frequency. In some cases, it is possible to overclock a 32-bit processor so that its actual speed will increase more noticeably than when replacing the chip with a 64-bit one.
Such an approach can be all the more justified if the user does not use programs and games adapted to 64-bit commands in his work. Thus, the practical significance of replacing 32-bit software and hardware components with 64-bit ones does not always become obvious.
Summary
So which system is better - 32 or 64-bit? Objectively, the transfer of digital data using 64-bit instructions is faster, and therefore the corresponding OS will generally be more productive than 32-bit. But its successful use requires the PC to meet a number of conditions: the presence of a 64-bit processor (otherwise a 64-bit OS simply won't be installed on the computer), hardware support for the 64-bit mode, as well as the presence required drivers to it, compatibility of the software used on the computer, 64-bit commands.
It's time to reinstall Windows, buddy, but there is even a choice between 32-bit and 64-bit. What it is, and why it is needed, and most importantly what to do if something suddenly went wrong, we will tell you right now.
What's the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit?
We remember school computer science. What is a bit? That's right, this is a unit of information in binary system reckoning, i.e. 0 or 1. But what if we switch from a programming language to a more accessible one?
So 1 bit \u003d 1 apple. The processor is your worker, which can only carry away a certain number of apples at a time. Either it is already strong at 64-bit, or weaker at 32-bit. Actually, the very moment of transferring apples is called the bit depth. I think everything is clear here: the processor carries 32-bit or 64-bit, as a worker carries apples.
What does the operating memory have to do with it?
He can carry apples, but how can he transport such an amount? In this case, operating memory (RAM / RAM) comes to his aid in the form of a cart. And here it is already important to understand exactly how large this cart is. If it is more than 4 GB in volume, then, unfortunately, a 32-bit worker cannot cope with it, it is too big for her. But if a colleague in 64-bit tackles it, then he can not only handle 4 GB, but everything that is higher. But with a small cart it will be uncomfortable for a powerful one.
Now we return to your situation without allegories and comparisons. If your computer has less than 4 GB of RAM, then only the Windows 32-bit version is suitable for you, and no "buts". If you have a more powerful PC, and the memory on it is 4 GB or even higher, then do not be afraid to install Windows 64-bit right away. Otherwise, he will only waste his energy.
Why is it important?
The computer, like the human body, works as one. By setting programs according to the characteristics of your hardware, you will be able to maximize the productivity and efficiency of the technique. Take the time to double-check the capabilities of your PC. You just need to go to the information to the system and see the data.
Thus, let's draw parallels: 32-bit and 64-bit are processors, programs and Windows, and it is important that they match.
There can be three variations of the work:
- You have 32-bit windows system, and it can only support programs with the same 32-bit capacity.
- Unfortunately, 64-bit versions of Windows will only be able to work with a processor of the same bit size - 64-bit.
- Well, 64-bit third-party programs can only work on Windows of the same bit and with the same processor.
What is my system?
To find out which system you have, simply use the following sequence of steps:
- press the "Start" button and go to the control panel;
- select the "System and Security" section;
- then click "System Information";
- find the "System Type" section, where the bitness of your processor will be indicated.
“What if I downloaded the program for Windows 64-bit, a at me 32-bit? "
In this case, you should understand that the correct compatibility of the operating system and third-party programs directly depends on the bit depth, and therefore the program for 64-bit on Windows 32-bit will not work. There are only two ways out of this:
- Look for a 32-bit version of the program for a 32-bit version of Windows.
- Reinstall the OS to 64-bit Windows if your computer specifications allow you, i.e. the presence of a 64-bit processor and 4 GB of RAM.
Which Windows to install: 32-bit or 64-bit?
Start from the characteristics of your computer first of all. If you purchased your PC within the last 4 years, then you shouldn't worry about its capabilities. It probably already has a 64-bit version installed, and according to its technical characteristics it meets the requirements for a 64-bit program, i.e. Are you fine.
If the computer was bought more than 4 years ago, and Windows still needs to be reinstalled, then, as noted above, look at the RAM. If you have less than 4 GB, then you don't even need to think about the 64-bit version - nothing good will come of it. Well, if the properties of your RAM are 4 GB or more, then install a more powerful and up-to-date 64-bit version of Windows.
Many PC programs are focused on 32-bit or 64-bit how to find out the system, but not all users know how to find out the bitness.
This is important information that you need to know when downloading almost any software - from games to service utilities and antiviruses.
You can find out this data using computer resources.
The essence of the concept
What is OS bitness or bitness? it important indicator the work of the processor, directly related to the RAM. Therefore, often, this indicator is decisive when choosing a computer or processor.
Bit depth is the number of bits that can be simultaneously processed and transmitted certain system... Accordingly, 32 or 64 bits (higher-bit OS in currently are not used by ordinary users). Wherein this concept applicable to various buses and systems in the processor.
This indicator is indicated by the corresponding symbols. These are x32 and x64.
Some users have probably seen an uncharacteristic x86 bitness designation on their PCs. This does not mean that the OS is super powerful and capable of handling 86 bits at a time. This is simply a 32-bit designation used in some modern versions.
At the same time, bitness does not have a direct link to the operating system version. For example, Windows 7 exists in both 32 and 64 bit versions. The same goes for Vista and others.
The higher the bitness, the more RAM can be used correctly.
How to find out the indicator?
Why do you even need to find out the bitness? Almost all programs currently being developed are created in two versions - for 32 and 64 bits. This provides the fullest possible functionality, performance and correct operation on various OS.
At the same time, some utilities designed for 32 bits may not run at all on 64 bits, and vice versa. Therefore, when downloading software, this indicator is very important. How can you find out?
Windows Vista and above
On Vista, 7, 8 and 10 operating systems this information is very easy to find out. You just need to look at it in the properties. At the same time, access to properties is not too complicated and does not require a long search.
Follow the algorithm below:
- If you have a My Computer shortcut on your Desktop, just right-click on it;
- If there is no such shortcut, then click the Start button and find the computer in the list of programs or tile, and right-click on it from there;
- In the window that appears, find the Properties line at the end and click on it;
- A window will open with all the data about the OS;
- There, find the System information block and in it the line System type - it is opposite it that the bit capacity of your PC is indicated.
In Windows 10, this tab can be found in another way. Just hold down the Win + Pause / Break keys at the same time on your keyboard. After that, the corresponding window shown in the picture above will immediately open.
Windows XP
In older OS releases, finding out the bit depth is a little more difficult. You must follow this algorithm:
- Find the My Computer shortcut on the Desktop;
- Click on it with the right mouse button;
- In the drop-down menu, select the Properties item, as in the example above, and click on it;
- A small window with System Properties will open;
- In it, in top menu go to the General tab;
- Look at the block called System;
- If only the OS version and other data are indicated there, and the bit depth is not explicitly indicated anywhere, then it is 32 bits, since by default at the time of XP development, most processors had exactly this;
- If it has 64 bits, then it will be explicitly written in the System block.
The table below shows how exactly the bit depth can be written in Properties, and what it really means.
In Windows XP, there is also a way to call the required window using hot keys. It is similar to what is shown above (for Windows 7, 8, 10). You need to hold Win + Pause / Break.
This is a rather important aspect that must be taken into account, because it significantly affects how certain games and programs will work on your computer. But what if the current one doesn't suit you bitness Windows? Is it possible to somehow change it? The answer is yes, you can, under certain circumstances, which we will talk about below. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to make a 32-bit system 64-bit. Let's figure it out. Go!
And 32-bit systems are usually installed on more weak computers with a small amount of RAM, since with such a bit depth the OS will not "see" more than 3.5 gigabytes of RAM. This may be critical for fans. computer games and various powerful software. Let's say your PC has 6 gigabytes of RAM, but you have. In this case, the system will perceive only 3.5 GB, and the remaining 2.5 do not seem to exist. Of course, it makes no sense to leave everything as it is and you need to correct such a mistake. More on how to do this later in the article.
It is possible and necessary to make a 64-bit system out of a 32-bit system, but only if your processor supports a higher bit depth. It is also worth noting that such a transition will be advisable only if the amount of memory on the PC's RAM is 4 GB or more. Among other things, there is a problem with the drivers. Since you have to download and install special drivers specifically for the 64-bit version. Otherwise, the operation of some devices, services and other elements of the PC may be impaired.
Now let's move on directly to how to do this.
- First you need to make sure that your processor supports x64 bitness. To do this, download and install special program CPU-Z. With its help, you will receive all necessary information about the model and parameters of the CPU.
- If everything is fine and the processor supports a higher bit depth, copy all important data from hard disk to another medium, because you will lose all files during the transition.
- The next step is to download drivers for the 64-bit version for each device and controller in advance, and then write them to a USB flash drive or disk.
- Insert into computer optical disc or a USB stick with an operating system. Please note that the Windows operating system being installed must be x64 version.
- Select "Install", check the box "I accept the terms license agreement", Then click" Next ". Go to the "Advanced" section and select the area of \u200b\u200bthe hard drive where the current version of Windows is stored.
- Click on "Hard disk options (optional)", and then click the "Format" button.
- After the formatting process is completed, it remains to enter the PC name, username, set a password (if necessary).
- Next, you need to enter your product key.
- Now that you have a new operating system in front of you, you need to install the x64 drivers. You can view devices that stopped functioning after changing the bit depth in the Device Manager. To go to the window of this utility, click right click mouse on the shortcut "My Computer", select "Manage". Then select "Device Manager" from the menu on the left. After the list appears in front of you, you can click on the desired item and see for which particular component the drivers should be reinstalled (the corresponding item in the list will be marked with a yellow warning sign "!")
32- or 64-bit computer processor - which is better? Today users do not bother with this question for the simple reason that all modern PC assemblies, as a rule, are equipped with 64-bit processors. But even some 5-6 years ago, the debate about which processor is better - 32- or 64-bit - was the most popular topic of various computer forums on the Internet.
What is the bitness of a processor, what is the difference between a 32-bit and a 64-bit processor, and how does this ultimately affect the operation and performance of the PC from the point of view of the average user? We will try to understand all this below.
1. How to find out the bit capacity of the processor installed on the PC?
To find out the bit capacity of the processor installed on the PC, it is best to install a special program, the functionality of which provides for displaying detailed information about the hardware components of the PC. For example, programs or Speccy - they can be downloaded from the official sites for free.
Run one of these programs, wait while they scan the system and display the hardware characteristics of the PC. Go to the menu section, which contains data about the central processor of the PC - the tabs " CPU" in cPU-Z program or " CPU"In the Speccy.
The processor capacity is displayed in the column “ Instructions", Which displays information about instruction support. If the processor is 64-bit, then this column must indicate this.
In the "CPU" program, depending on the processor manufacturer, it is either " EM64T"(Intel 64), or" x86-64"(AMD 64).
In the Speccy program, everything is a little simpler - the instruction graph displays either " AMD 64"Or" Intel 64».
If the section " Instructions»In both programs does not display such data, which means the PC has a 32-bit processor.
But it's not so easy to find a 32-bit processor today, it must be a very old PC assembly, because starting with the first 64-bit processor AMD Athlon 64, introduced in 2003, and later Pentium 4 models from Intel, manufacturers supply only 64-bit processors to the computer market.
2. Bit depth: what does this term include?
As you can see, it is very easy to determine the bit capacity of a processor installed on a PC, but what does the term bitness itself include? The bit depth of the processor is the number of bits (also called bits) that the processor is able to process at a time.
The growth of the bit capacity of processors was due to the development of computer technology.
In 1971, Intel created the first 4-bit 4004 processor. A little later, the 8-bit 8080 appeared, then the 16-bit 8086. The first 32-bit 80386 processor intel established in 1985, and it later became the base for all today's models of computer processors. But the leadership in creating a 64-bit processor belongs to AMD - in 2003 it created the Athlon 64.
The term bit depth applies not only to processors, but also to buses. For example, specifications video cards often contain an indication of the width of the memory bus. As for the definition of the term of the bus width, here you will see the same essence as in the term of the processor capacity. Thus, the width of the bus is nothing more than the number of bits simultaneously processed by the bus.
3. What are the benefits of 64-bit processors for general PC users?
For ordinary userswho use PCs purely for their personal needs as part of their leisure time, the advantage of 64-bit processors is the ability to use more than 4 GB of RAM. A 64-bit processor allows you to use 8, 16, 32 or even more GB of RAM in your PC. Such performance is essential for those who use a PC, load it with multitasking, work with complex graphics programs or professional video editors. And, of course, gamers - for many new games in the game world, for some powerful video games, starting from 2011, you may need at least 8 GB of RAM to play at the maximum quality of the game.
To take advantage of a 64-bit processor, a PC must be running a 64-bit operating system, the specifics of which can unleash the full power potential of the PC. But if on a PC with a 64-bit processor and, for example, with 8 GB of RAM, install 32-bit operating system, you will have to be content with the restrictions - rAM will only be available in 4GB. And the entire power potential of the PC hardware will remain undiscovered.
You can determine whether 32- or 64-bit Windows is installed on your PC by clicking the left mouse button context menu on the icon " My computer" (or " This computerp "in Windows 8 and 8.1). In the menu, select “ Properties". The main system characteristics will open, where in the column “ System type”And it will indicate which Windows is installed - 32-bit or 64-bit.
The same can be determined without leaving the Speccy program - in the section " operating system».
32- and 64-bit Windows practically do not differ in installation, configuration, or use. Download bootable windows image online or buy physical boot disk you can very easily with one or the other bitness of the operating system.
Did this article help you?
