Lately I have received many questions from visitors that wonder which operating system they should choose – 32bit or 64bit system version. In this article, I would try to explain you which operating system engine you should use and in which case!
Most people actually does not know the main differences between these two versions. The main difference is that 64-bit systems (x64) supports large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit (x86) system.
Main Differences
So, the maximum amount of RAM is the main reason why people switch to 64-bit architecture. The maximum amount of the supported RAM is:
- 32-bit systems – Supports up to 3.7 GB (~4 GB) of RAM.
- 64-bit systems – Supports more than 128 GB of RAM.
A 32-bit system can work if you have more than 4 GB of RAM in your computer, but they would actually work only with max. 3.7 GB’s!
Note: There is NO WAY with which you can increase a maximum RAM supported (allocated) in your 32-bit (x86) systems. If someone tell you that is possible – they lie!
Of course, there are some other differences between these two architectures. You can see the main differences between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Vista on the table below:
You can easily see what is supported in which architecture. I will now go further into the problem and I am going to show you the main differences between these features.
16, 32 and 64-bit Native Apps
As you can see on the above table, a different architecture versions support some different application types. I will try to show you the main differences now.
16-bit applications are created for older systems and architectures. For example, all applications written for DOS are 16-bit applications. They could work and run on 32-bit systems but no on 64-bit systems. So, if you have some application which you use often, and it is written to run in DOS, then switching to a 64-bit architecture is not recommended!
In the other hand, 32-bit applications are widely presented over the world. The most applications you use right now on your computer are created natively for this architecture. Luckily, a 64-bit system may work with most 32-bit applications without any problems.
Today, there are more and more 64-bit applications on the market. In general, a native 64-bit application should work much better, faster and more stable than 32-bit app version. In the first place, I was really surprised how apps can work faster on the x64-based systems!
Currently, there are a lot of 64-bit browsers (for Windows) available on the internet. Unfortunately, they are not effective because an Adobe Flash player does not support the x64-based browsers right now! Anyway, you can install and use a 32-bit version and run them from your 64-bit system without any problems.
I do not know why there is no more 64-bit native applications on the market. All x64-based applications works much better and faster on my 64-bit computer than any other 32-bit app!
Compatibility & Drivers
64-bit systems have some compatibility and driver problems. The most hardware devices, created before couple years ago are not compatible with x64 architecture. On my system, the older LasetJet printer could not work on any x64 based system – because there are no drivers for it!
If you have an older computer, then you should not move to this architecture. It is most probable that your computer would not work appropriate in this case.
Also, I have found some applications that cannot work properly on x64 system. These applications are x86 (32-bit native) based applications. Fortunately, today the most applications fully support and work on 64-bit systems.
If you have some application you use frequently, and it does not work on your x64 machine then you should not move to it.
Why to Install 64-bit System
Below, I am going to show you why to install a 64-bit operating system on your computer.
- RAM Memory – It is clear that this is the most important reason why others switch to x64 based systems. If you have up to 4 GB’s of RAM, you should stay on your current operating system. But, if you have more than 4 GB’s, you should definitely switch to x64!
- 64-bit Applications – I was really surprised how native x64-based application works under these systems! I have to say it is a whole new experience – they are all much faster, works better and stable! If you want to work faster and be more productive, I would recommend you to install a 64-bit operating system.
- More Security – A 64-bit operating systems works differently than 32-bit systems. They are more secured and much more stable – of course if you have a compatible hardware!
Why to Install 32-bit System
Below, there are the main reasons why you should install a 32-bit system, instead 64-bit.
- Little RAM – If you have less than 4 GB’s of RAM in your computer, you should definitely use the 32-bit version of your system. Using 64-bit architecture on these machines could not be productive and effective for sure.
- 16-bit Apps – 32-bit systems knows how to operate properly with most 16-bit applications. If you want your 16-bit application to run smoothly and without most problems, you should use the 32-bit operating system instead 64-bit.
- Derivers – Older hardware support only 32-bit systems. In some cases, you would be able to find the 64-bit version substitute. Unfortunately, for most older hardware it is not the case! So, if you have an older computer, use 32-bit system!
Most of you probably know that you can not install 64-bit system on every computer on the market. To install 64-bit system, you would need to have a compatible processor in your computer.
I hope I have helped you out to choose which operating system you should install on your computer. If you have any other suggestions and experiences, feel free to post them using our contact form below.