The difference between 64 and 32 bit processorsIn the future, the battle
between 64 bit vs 32 bit processors will inevitably yield the 64 bit processor
as the victor, but this transition is going to take some time.
First, I’ll talk about the pure mathematics and structure of the processors
that are involved here. I’ll keep this part short and sweet.
A bit is short for “binary digit.” It is basically how a computer stores and
makes references to data, memory, etc. A bit can have a value of 1 or 0, that’s
it. So binary code is streams of 1’s and 0’s, such as this random sequence
100100100111. These bits are also how your processor does calculations. By
using 32 bits your processor can represent numbers from 0 to 4,294,967,295
while a 64-bit machine can represent numbers from 0 to
18,446,744,073,709,551,615. Obviously this means your computer can do math with
larger numbers, and be more efficient with smaller numbers.
Now see, that description wasn’t too bad, but the question is how does this
affect you, the average PC owner? The largest benefit will go to academic
institutions and private companies, where large calculations are being
performed, huge databases are being accessed, and complex problems are being
solved.
Everyone that doesn’t fall into that category will see some benefit of using 64
bit processors over 32 bit processors, but not much in today’s marketplace. The
AMD Athlon 64-bit processor is completely backward compatible, meaning you can
currently use it with 32-bit operating systems and software programs. You will
see some benefits by using this setup, but because the programs weren’t written
to take advantage of the extra power, they won’t use much of it.
The true benefits of this set up don’t come from the amount of bits, but by the
improved structure of the 64 bit vs 32 bit processor's older structure. A
64-bit processor is made with more advanced silicon processes, have more
transistors, and faster speeds. This is currently where the true benefit of
switching to a 64-bit processor lays.
As for 64-bit operating systems and software, many are in the works, but
nothing is in final version. Microsoft has released a beta version of Windows
XP that takes advantage of the 64 bit technology, but there are still issues.
The problem is when you run 32-bit software programs in the environment of a
64-bit operating system. Many programs won’t work properly, such as Adobe
Acrobat and Windows Media Player, for example. Another issue is RAM. You really
need about 4 GB of RAM to take full advantage of the capabilities offered by a
64-bit processor, while most PC owners have less than 1 GB under their
computer’s hood.
So, the question now is should you buy a 64 bit processor now, or wait?
Disadvantages:You’re currently not able to take full advantage of the
technology because the software vendors haven’t made the switch from 32-bit to
64-bit processors.
Most AMD Athlon 64 bit processors are expensive, with prices sure to go down in
the future.
Advantages:Better performance out of a 32-bit operating system.
Probably the last processor you’ll have to buy for many years to come.
