Ok...another dumb question before I either upgrade current computer or go new. Decided this should be separate from my other post. Currently have a 2008 HP Pavillion Desktop running Vista Home Premium. It's a 32bit machine. Replaced the hard drive about 3 years ago. Geeks are telling me to get new... I'm dragging my feet. What is the real difference between 32bit and 64 bit machines? thxcts

The most evident difference is the amount of memory (RAM) the system will support. 32bit are limited to 4GB, 64bit have a considerably higher limit in theory, but in practice 32GB is most common for desktops

I worked in the computer industry during the transition from 16-bit to 32-bit. The biggest difference I saw then was it allowed for more lower skilled programmers to develop highly inefficient code that required the larger address space. Some of that still holds true for the 32-bit to 64-bit transition, although the more sophisticated Operating Systems and complex, fancy graphical interfaces consume a lot more address space all by themselves. Thankfully the HW engineers have been able to keep pace with the SW engineers and improve computer speeds to make up for less efficient SW.So one of the main advantages of moving up to 64-bit systems is there will be a larger universe of software available to use, and most 64-bit OSes will support and run software written for 32-bit as well.

Yes, support for more memory is the most observable difference for most users. IMO, few people need more than 4GB of RAM unless they do lots of multi-tasking but there's no hurt in having the ability to add more RAM, if needed. Pretty much all new desktops & laptops being sold today will be 64-bit. Windows tablets and some netbooks may still be shipping with 32-bit.One caveat regarding Windows systems. A 32-bit Windows OS can run 16 & 32-bit programs while a 64-bit system can run 32 & 64-bit programs. If you have any old, 16-bit programs and you upgrade to a 64-bit machine, you will no longer be able to run those old programs.

Does either affect the way graphics display? I've noticed that DH's 2009 64 bit machine does not have near the issues with video (or those annoying fast speed ads trying to get attention) that I do. My computer hangs and freezes while waiting for graphics or ads to come up. If the ad's are active... motion.. scrolling can be choppy and jerky.

It's like drving on the freeway with everybody driving the same speed.No problem untill traffic builds up then 64 lanes is faster than 32 lanes.Basicaly same speed but more traffic going through.... Sorta.

32bit vs 64bit machines | Good Sam Community

42 Replies

bob_nestor
Explorer III
Aug 24, 2015
I worked in the computer industry during the transition from 16-bit to 32-bit. The biggest difference I saw then was it allowed for more lower skilled programmers to develop highly inefficient code that required the larger address space. Some of that still holds true for the 32-bit to 64-bit transition, although the more sophisticated Operating Systems and complex, fancy graphical interfaces consume a lot more address space all by themselves. Thankfully the HW engineers have been able to keep pace with the SW engineers and improve computer speeds to make up for less efficient SW.

So one of the main advantages of moving up to 64-bit systems is there will be a larger universe of software available to use, and most 64-bit OSes will support and run software written for 32-bit as well.
bwanshoom
Explorer
Aug 24, 2015
The most evident difference is the amount of memory (RAM) the system will support. 32bit are limited to 4GB, 64bit have a considerably higher limit in theory, but in practice 32GB is most common for desktops

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32bit vs 64bit machines

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