X86 or x64: What does it mean? What is Windows bit depth and why is it needed? The difference between windows x64 and x86

Many users, when installing the Windows operating system on their personal computer, are sincerely perplexed about which version of the platform to choose - x64 or x86? And in general, what do these abbreviations actually mean?

Programs with x64 or x86: there is a difference

As mentioned above, they are usually accompanied by strange abbreviations. However, you can also see them when downloading various programs, which also often give the user the right to choose the x64 or x86 version. Let's try to figure out all the number riddles together. Let's start with the fact that in the world of computers, there are different types of processors that have different architectures. The expression about moving by leaps and bounds perfectly suits the computer chip industry, but processors began to develop and improve especially quickly in the last decade.

Where did it come from?

Once upon a time, at the beginning of their journey, computing chips allowed the user to work
with operating systems and programs on a 16-bit basis, later more advanced 32-bit analogues came to their aid, but now progress has already been able to touch 64-bit architectures and even seriously spread them around the world.
You, dear readers, are unlikely to find computers today that support 16-bit programs, and new PCs are usually released with the most modern architecture and come with 64-bit operating systems.

AMD is considered a pioneer in the development of 64-bit computing chips. Therefore, software developers generalize such processors under the general name "Amd64". It is important to understand that this designation does not mean that games whose characteristics indicate amd64 will not run on computers running 64-bit processors from Intel.

In the described case we are talking about an ordinary generalization that has managed to become firmly established in practice. The abbreviations x64 or x86 themselves correspond precisely to different processor architectures - 64 or 32, respectively. If we talk about the application of these designations to modern operating systems, then they indicate the bit depth.

How to find out whether x64 or x86 OS is installed on a PC?

Often users try to determine what bitness or, in other words, type of operating system is currently installed on their computer. To solve this problem, you need to move the mouse cursor over the “Computer” icon on the desktop (standard for Windows) and right-click on it once.

Next, in the context menu that opens, select “Properties”. After these steps, a window should open in front of you with a complete list of the characteristics of your computer, as well as the installed operating system. So you will be able to see one of a couple of options: a 32-bit operating system or a 64-bit operating system.

In this simple way, we figured out how to check whether x86 or x64 programs should be installed. Next, it must be said that the peculiarity of 64-bit programs lies in their incredible performance, but on the other hand, they are too demanding in relation to memory. Here it is, a confirmation of the rule that everything is good in moderation: installing a 64-bit operating system on a weak laptop with a couple of gigabytes of RAM and a 32-bit classic processor is a mistake, however, on the other hand, 32-bit programs and systems are not able to see over 3 GB of RAM. If you have a personal computer with 4 or more gigabytes of RAM, you can safely install a 64-bit Windows platform; accordingly, the programs must also be 64-bit. Programs of this type use the resources available on the computer to the maximum. In fact, the current question of which is better - windows x86 or x64, is not formulated entirely correctly, since both platforms are good, and the choice of the necessary one is determined by the configuration of an individual computer.

Windows x64: pitfalls

Currently, due to the unresolved issues that developers and engineers around the world are struggling with, it turns out that the most advanced Windows x64 platform, in addition to many undeniable advantages that we talked about
above, there are a number of disadvantages that should also not be forgotten. Let's start with the fact that if you have been using your computer for a long time and have a number of components that have not let you down for many years, there is a possibility that with the transition to a 64-bit version of the operating system, finding drivers for these devices may be quite problematic. The fact is that developers of all kinds of gadgets are not very willing to release updates for products that have been discontinued, thereby trying to encourage customers to purchase new equipment. And here very few people will listen to the argument that your scanner or printer is the best in the world.

We've already noted that Windows x64 consumes more resources, but it should be said that all programs for the 64-bit environment also begin to "want more." Finally, if you decide to install unsigned it will require a number of additional steps.

On the other side of the scale lies access to all the resources of the RAM installed on the computer. If you have Windows x64, even some 32-bit programs can take advantage of access to 4 GB of RAM, for example the games "Stalker" and "Gothic". For comparison: in a 32-bit operating system, games and programs have access to 2 GB of memory, and in extremely rare cases - 3 GB.

Some authors argue that, regardless of which platform - x64 or x86 - the user chooses, the performance of programs will remain at the same level. It is very difficult to refute this opinion completely, because performance indicators depend on a number of circumstances and factors, but practice has proven that programs for audio and video processing, as well as archivers and a number of professional programs, begin to behave much more actively.

If, with the dilemma “x86 or x64: what to install”, you have finally decided in favor of the latter, but do not want to part with the good old programs, you should know that 99 percent of 32-bit applications run in a 64-bit environment without a decrease in performance or any problems . As for gaming performance, it primarily depends on the performance of your video driver.

P.S: everything that was not mentioned above

We already know exactly how to determine x86 or x64, but there are still a number of little things that are also worth mentioning. For example, we have already learned almost everything about bit depth, except for the definition of this term, so we note that bit capacity is the ability to simultaneously process a certain amount of information, which is measured in bits.

Unattainable Boundary

Interestingly, the 64-bit architecture also has its limits regarding perceived RAM: x64 cannot see more than 192 GB of RAM. Another interesting point: the natural volume of 64-bit applications, like
usually 20-40% more than its 32-bit counterparts, but don’t immediately rush out for a new hard drive, because this rule does not apply to entertainment materials such as videos (movies) or music.

Number of doubt - 4

The fate of a PC with 4 gigabytes of RAM should be discussed separately. Here's the thing: on the one hand, 32-bit OSes see only 3 GB of memory, and the choice in favor of 64x seems obvious, but do not forget that Windows x64 will require twice as much RAM just to make itself work. 32-bit “sister”, and victory in this case seems very ambiguous. In such conditions, the choice should be determined not by mathematical calculations, but by your needs and the tasks that you intend to set for the computer. And don't expect external effects, because from a design point of view, 32 and 64-bit operating systems are identical.

News from Adobe

If you are an artist or designer, you will be sad or happy with Adobe's recent announcement that all modern Adobe CS5 applications will become exclusively 64-bit. In other words, Dreamweaver CS5, Photoshop CS5 and similar famous applications will be able to run exclusively on a 64-bit system. The 32-bit platform simply does not recognize them.

Everything turned out to be simple

So we figured out how to find out whether your system is x64 or x86, and which option to choose. As you can see, everything turned out to be not too difficult and only took a few minutes of your time. It is important to understand that in this case the differences are exclusively internal, and to determine with maximum precision what exactly you want from a personal computer, that it is a working tool for you or a friend who gives you entertainment. If the PC is configured in the best possible way, its capabilities will be transformed.

Not many people know that in Windows there is such a thing as bit depth - x32 (x86), x64. In this short note we will explain what it is on the fingers. There is nothing complicated here and you need to know this, because this is an important point.

The bit capacity of the operating system is roughly and very approximately, this is the number of smallest units of information (bits) that the processor is able to process in one clock cycle (hertz). In the modern world, there are two options for bit depth: 32-bit or 64-bit. 32-bit systems are also called x86: This is a misnomer, but a common one. There are practically no other options - except for the prehistoric 16-bit programs of the MS-DOS and Win98 era.

How do Window 32 and 64 differ in practice? Not the speed of work - that's for sure. A rough example - on the rear axle of trucks there are both 2 and 4 tires. The presence of 4 tires does not make the truck faster or more powerful - but in some cases, a multi-wheel configuration is more convenient: say, when transporting a particularly heavy load. It’s the same with the 64-bit version of Windows: the system won’t become faster, but...

But old 32-bit Windows can work with no more than 4 gigabytes of RAM, which is not enough for modern programs. Even if 8 or 16 GB of physical memory is installed in the computer, the OS is only able to work with 3.5-3.8 gigabytes of them, and the rest of the volume hangs as dead weight. There are non-standard ways to make Windows see more than 4 gigs, but they work every once in a while, and even then, rather, for a cosmetic effect.

The 64-bit version of Windows works confidently with any amount of RAM (up to 32GB).

The differences are short and clear:

• x64 - works with RAM up to 32GB. Can run 32 and 64-bit programs.
• x32 - works with RAM up to 4GB. Can only run 32-bit programs for which 3 GB of RAM is available.

There are other differences as well. But these are already “iron matters” and you and I don’t need to know them at all, because “The less you know, the better you sleep”...

Bit capacity of programs and drivers

Not only the system, but also programs and drivers can have a bit depth. Most programs were created specifically for 32-bit operating systems. 32-bit applications work fine in a 64-bit environment. On the contrary, it doesn’t work at all: true 64-bit programs are not able to run in 32-bit Windows.

How to find out what bit depth your Windows has?

If you have this question, then most likely you have a 32-bit system - it is more popular and is always installed by default. A 64-bit system is usually installed consciously and intentionally.

It is very easy to understand what bit depth your OS has.

Windows 8, 10

Click right click on Start and select " System". The bit depth will be written in the window that appears.

Windows 7

Find the icon " My computer» click on it right click and select " Properties«.

Windows XP

Start > My computer > Properties> tab " Are common» > Look at System section: if written 64-bit version, or 64-bit Edition, 64-bit. If this is not the case, but there is something like Service Pack 3, then it is 32-bit.

Is it worth switching to a 64-bit system?

Already, it's worth it! The exceptions are perhaps office computers with old processors and 1-3 gigs of memory on board, where no bells and whistles are needed.

Disadvantage: x64 has perhaps the only disadvantage that might make you think about switching - not all manufacturers have released drivers for 64-bit systems. But today, absolutely all popular programs can work with x64, as well as all modern drivers. Therefore, in 95% of cases this will not be a problem.

There are a lot of advantages: faster programs, improved performance for multi-core processors, support for a large amount of RAM.

Technologies are developing and if a couple of years ago no one really knew about 64-bit systems, today technologies are striving to completely switch to them and it’s only a matter of time.

Verdict? In 90% of cases it's worth switching to x64!

Many users often ask questions: “Which system should I install?”, “What is the difference between x86 and x32?” etc. Let's put everything in order.

x86 is a processor architecture with the same instruction set, first implemented in Intel processors. The name is derived from the two numbers that ended the names of early Intel processors - 8086, 80186, 80286 (i286), 80386 (i386), 80486 (i486). After some time, the digital designations of the new processors began to be replaced by names. This is how the public learned about Pentium and Celeron, but the x86 platform did not change until the 2000s, but more on that a little later.

At the beginning of its journey, the x86 architecture, which was first introduced on the i8086, was used on 16-bit processors (can store 2^16 unique values), had 16-bit instructions and an internal 16-bit bus, later an external 8-bit bus was added data. Then events developed quite simply - manufacturers increased the speed, the number of transistors, the set of instructions, etc., and so on until the release of the 80386 (i386) - a processor that at that time marked a revolution in the world of x86 processors. It was the first 32-bit processor that could use cache memory located on an external chip.
Until the announcement of AMD64 (hardware platform), the architecture did not change much.
After the release of AMD64 and Intel 64 x86, it underwent major changes.
The architecture's processors support two operating modes: Long Mode and Legacy Mode (compatible with 32-bit x86).
The main advantages of the x86-64 architecture:

• 64-bit address space;
• extended set of registers;
• a set of commands familiar to developers;
• the ability to run old 32-bit applications on a 64-bit operating system;
• ability to use 32-bit operating systems.

"What is x32?"

This is a 32-bit operating system that runs on 32-bit processors. If we take the Microsoft OS as an example, the first x32 was 95, which took full advantage of the capabilities of this processor and architecture (x86). The main disadvantage of x32 is the inability to support more than 4 GB of RAM. It is noteworthy that the system is only able to handle 3 GB of memory and 1 GB simply fails.
There is also a fairly common mistake: when they write about program compatibility, they indicate x86, meaning a 32-bit platform. This is not entirely correct and is only misleading. It is best to specify x86_32bit or x86_64bit. Or reduce it to intuitive x32 or x64.

what is x64?

x86_64bit is a 64-bit operating system that runs on 64-bit processors with x86-64 architecture. "64-bit label" sounds exciting, but in practical terms it's just a clever marketing gimmick that hides not only its advantages, but also its disadvantages. In principle, its main advantage was and remains the ability to accept up to 32 GB of RAM, which significantly increases performance. Another advantage of this OS is that under it, processors based on the x86-64 architecture (Celeron, Core 2, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7) use the full potential of the chip. This is possible thanks to the Long Mode. The disadvantage is the increase in RAM consumption by programs, for example, the same Apache on 32-bit consumed 20 MB of RAM, and already on a 64-bit OS - approximately 50 MB.

32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows, these numbers mean the processor architecture, the higher the bit depth, the more RAM your OS can use, sometimes 32 is designated as x86, that is, in any case, x64 is a more modern architecture since it has 64 bits, and x86 architecture has only 32 bits.

How can I find out what bit capacity my system has?

In the computer properties or using the Securable program (_https://www.grc.com/securable.htm), you can also use it to find out whether your processor supports a 64-bit operating system.

What's the difference and what does it give?

A sixty-four-bit system can see and work with a larger amount of memory, 32 is already x86, the outdated processor architecture works with only 3 gigabytes, before it there were 8, 16-bit systems, we all probably remember the 8-bit Dandy (not with very beautiful graphics ) and the 16-bit Sega mega drive (with more colorful graphics than dandy), and then the Sony Playstation 32, then the Nintendo 64 also appeared, but it was not particularly popular, 64 bits were not used, since at that time programs were not written on such a scale and drivers for it. But today everything has changed, and manufacturers began to actively develop applications and drivers for this system, and why now?, and not when Windows XP 64 appeared, which was not particularly popular due to the lack of applications and driver support for various devices, but all because there was no need for the average user, since we had enough RAM with which a 32-bit OS could work, that’s a maximum of 3 Gb.

So the time has come, the demands of programs on system resources have risen. It is not the bit depth numbers that give an increase in performance, but the amount of RAM and how the program can use this volume, since the bit depth itself does not give speed, if you installed a 64 OS and installed a program that supports this bit depth, the very fact of this will not give a significant increase, but running a program with your OP can already significantly speed up the work of the program, as this happens, the whole point is that the programs were previously used as a buffer on a virtual hard disk, and accessing this dump is much slower than accessing RAM, now The idea of ​​the application is to use space for the dump in the computer’s RAM, thereby reducing the time spent on accessing it.

So I hope at least somehow I was able to make out a little bit for inexperienced people what’s what in these numbers. So we can conclude that if you are an office employee and you have nothing else installed besides office programs, then you don’t care what to use, but 32 is better, since you won’t have many Programm files folders))), I’ll explain the whole thing The thing is that if you install a 64-bit OS, then when installing 32-bit applications you will receive a second folder Programm files (x86) since all programs are stored separately by bit size. Therefore, for office or home use for non-advanced users and non-gamers, I would recommend 32.

If you are already a PRO user and a gamer, then the 64 system is for you, since today games require more RAM than 3 GB, and professional programs such as Photoshop or video editors can already use a large amount of RAM for their purposes.

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7 comments for recording 64 bit windows 7 or 32 bit, x64 and x86 what is the difference?

well sorted out. THX.

How to install a driver from a 32-bit system to a 64-bit system?

I agree with Stanislav’s question. The fact is that some “ancient” but beloved and tested programs do not work (or do not work correctly) on 64 bits. I had to install two operating systems on my laptop - 32 XP and 64-seven. First of all, it’s very inconvenient. Secondly (this is just my opinion - I could be wrong) - using a couple of operating systems quickly kills the only mechanical part of the laptop - the hard drive. It lasted me 4 years... So, something like this... I would like one operating system that would work with old programs and so that you can play the latest games...

• Dear Stanislav And Garry, device drivers for 64 and 32 systems are written separately and they are not interchangeable, that is, you will have to install two systems, but perhaps a virtual machine will help you, it runs under your main OS, here I wrote about this in the article, perhaps this will help solve your problem

Hello, please answer. I have system 64. I installed 3D max2010 - 32. Which one should I install v ray 64 or 86?

Thank you? everything is clear and understandable

The capacity of operating systems is an eternal headache for those who prefer to confidently use a computer rather than confidently disassemble it. Versions of Windows with the designations x64 or x32 do not differ from each other externally, their boxes are the same, and if the system assemblies are corrected and made available to the public, then in this case there is no external difference between them. And when the x86 designation also appears, and even when nothing is said about it in your favorite reference books, the headache goes somewhere lower, especially if there is no time to investigate. What to install - Windows x86 or x32 - on this, that or this configuration? Revelation guaranteed.

Definition

Windows x32

Windows x86- designation of a 32-bit operating system from Microsoft, regardless of its version or release.

Comparison

There is simply no difference between the Windows x86 and x32 operating systems - they designate a 32-bit system. It is acceptable to use both options, however, official releases from Microsoft still show us the numbers 32, apparently wanting to come to a common conclusion and avoid confusion. However, the indication of bit depth on official disks loses the letter x - we most often see either 32 bit or 64 bit.

The x86 designation is borrowed by operating systems from the processor bit designations. At first, 32-bit processors from Intel were called that, but with the advent of 64-bit, confusion began to arise, because the latter received the designation x86-64 - and this was a justified step: a direct indication of compatibility with 32-bit software and operating systems. A little later, the name was shortened to x64, and in this form it was transferred to operating systems that support processors with this architecture. Accordingly, 32-bit operating systems inherited x86.

All this introduces a serious element of confusion. If the question somehow concerns you, it is worth remembering that the bit depth of operating systems can only be 32 or 64 bits, and x86 is absolutely the same as x32. The same applies to software.

Conclusions website

1. The designation x32 or 32-bit is more widely used.
2. The x86 designation creates more confusion.
3. Obviously incompetent people insist on the advantages of x86 over x32.
4. The same goes for the opposite of point 3.