When buying a computer, you have so many features to choose from that it can be a tough decision to make. You have to ask yourself the question: Should I buy a computer with 32-bit or 64-bit? But what difference does that make, and which one should you choose?
Table of Contents
What the numbers mean
Your computer has a kind of brain of its own – the central processing unit, also known as the CPU. The communication between data of your computer is controlled by the CPU. You can differentiate between two categories of processors: 32- and 64-bit processors. The processor is responsible for the performance of your computer. A computer with a 32-bit system is able to access 2^32 bytes, whereas a 64-bit system is able to access 2^64 bytes. That means that the 64-bit version is faster and can process more data than the 32-bit version.
32-bit and 64-bit
There’s a huge difference between 32- and 64-bit. While we’ve already established that the 64-bit version is able to access much more data than the 32-bit version, it’s therefore much faster, newer and more secure. Computers with a 32-bit version have been built in the early 2000s, which means that these are way older and slower than the other version.
But that does not necessarily mean that those are not as good as computers with a 64-bit system. Which computer processor is best for you and your interests depends on the using of the computer. It makes a huge difference if you run games on your computer with a 32- or 64-bit processor.
If you want to use your computer as a gaming computer, you should get a computer with a 64-bit operating system. Your computer has to be fast and be able to access more data. A computer with more processing power is able to run applications that were made for 32-bit computers. But you have to keep in mind that you can’t run 64-bit programs on a 32-bit computer.
Why you should choose a 64-Bit computer
Besides the already mentioned advantage of a 64-bit processor, there are some other things that might be important to consider while buying a computer.
The graphics of a computer with such a processor are generally going to be better. Your computer is way faster while playing games or opening apps. Your computer’s security may also be better than the security on a 32-bit version. But that does not mean that a computer with the 64-bit processor can’t get infected with spyware, Trojans or viruses. But it is still a way more secure than the older and slower version.
Which processor should I choose?
The answer to that question depends on your own interests. If you just want to use your computer for writing notes and keeping your stuff in one place, it might be enough if you buy a 32-bit version. It might be slower and older than the 64-bit version, but it’s still a good computer. If you’re interested in gaming, watching and editing videos and pictures, you should think about getting a computer with a 64-bit processor. It’s faster and has a better graphic performance.
FAQ 32-Bit and 64-Bit
Which processor is better if you want to play games?
If you want to play games, you might consider buying a computer with a 64-bit processor.
What’s the biggest difference between a 32-bit and 64-bit computer?
A 32-bit computer is slower and older than a 64-bit computer. 64-bit processors are also able to access more data at once.
How many bytes can be accessed?
A computer with a 32-bit processor can access 2^32 bytes, while a 64-bit computer can access 2^64 bytes.