Key Points
- 32-bit and 64-bit are references to the processing speed of computers. The “bit” specifically refers to the processing power of a computer and references the number of bytes that can be accessed by a computer while it is performing a specific computing operation.
- The difference between the two processing units is in more than just mere graphics and power. 64 bit computers also come with additional security features that make it far less likely to be infected with a virus or other malware. It is also critical for data download speed, as higher processing power means a higher speed of download.
- 32-bit and 64-bit technology is available on more than just computers. This processing power also impacts mobile devices and the overall performance of a computer’s operating system, such as Windows or Apple.
- When it comes to mobile games or other computer games, players will typically prefer 64-bit computers over their older counterparts.
- As of the late 2000s, 64-bit processors became the industry norm. These days, you would be challenged to find a commercially available 32-bit device.
32-bit and 64-bit are references to the processing speed of computers. The “bit” specifically refers to the processing power of a computer and references the number of bytes that can be accessed by a computer while it is performing a specific computing operation. A computer’s processor, also known as CPU, is responsible for executing a computer’s code and all operations. It is one of the most important parts of a computer, as it is essentially the hub of all computing activity.
There are several differences between 32-bit and 64-bit processors, although the most noticeable is the speed that they perform operations and run programmes. In this article we full explain all of the key differences and identify which processor is better and why.
32-Bit vs. 64-Bit: Side by Side Comparison
| 32-Bit | 64-Bit | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The processing power of a computer’s Central Processing Unit | The processing power of a computer’s Central Processing Unit |
| Primary Use | Overall availability of bytes of Random Access Memory | Overall availability of bytes of Random Access Memory |
| Name | 32-bit computing | 64-bit computing |
| Conceived | 1948 | 1961 |
| Initial Release | The 1960s | 1991 |
| Influential Developers | Intel, AMD | Apple, Intel, AMD |
| Open format | No | No |
| Technologies influenced | 64-bit technology, CPUs, RAM | CPUs, RAM |
32-Bit vs. 64-Bit: History
32-bit devices – first commercially available in the 1960s – became the industry norm in the 1990s and 2000s. At the time, they were considered technological innovations for their ability to process data, quick download speeds, enhanced memory capacity, and more. Almost every operating system made the transitions as well, and during this time period, almost every computer operated on a 32-bit device.
In the early 1990s, 64-bit computers began their infancy, with the first video game device – the Atari Jaguar – operating on 64 bits. The device was far too expensive to be commercially successful at the time, but advances in technology made these devices more popular and cheaper.
Gradually, programs began to shift towards 64-bit operation, and soon, 64 bit became the industry standard. Windows operating system moved in this direction in 2005, and this is widely considered to be a turning point in the development and popularity of the 64-bit processor.
32-Bit vs. 64-Bit: Key Differences Explained
32-bit and 64-bit are references to the processing speed of computers. It is specifically referring to the computer’s processor. A computer’s processor — also known as the CPU — is responsible for executing a computer’s code and all operations. It is one of the most important parts of a computer, as it is essentially the hub of all computing activity.
The vast majority of currently available commercial computers are either 32 bit or 64 bit. The “bit” specifically refers to the processing power of a computer and references the number of bytes that can be accessed by a computer while it is performing a specific computing operation.
As the name implies, 64-bit computers are faster and capable of performing more operations per second. However, 64-bit computers are not always necessary, and for many common residential or commercial operations, 32 bit computers are more than adequate.
32-Bit vs. 64-Bit: Which is Better?
There is no question that 64-bit processors are superior in virtually every respect. Be it for using games, accessing data with quick speeds, running programs, or simply managing your life, a 64-bit device has exponentially more speed and processing power than its 32-bit counterpart. Indeed, by and large, 32-bit computers are no longer available.
