64bit vs 32bit software

SCClockDr wrote:

Tom_M wrote:
Some software is available in either 64bit or 32bit. An example is Calibre eBook manager. Other than the ability to access more memory using 64bit, is there any advantage using 64bit?

64bit uses the full memory buss bandwidth thus processes at a greater speed. Threading is also improved with 64bit.

It depends.

IN MOST CASES there is very little "advantage" at all speed wise between the two. Only extremely complex operations will see any appreciable benefit (IE HD video editing/conversions or high res picture editing)..

eBooks, not so much.. They are designed to be pretty low impact and low bandwidth..

BUT, keep in mind, in order to be able to use 64bit software, you MUST be running a 64bit version of OS!.. You cannot run 64bit programs on a 32bit OS..

You can, however run 32 bit software on 64bit OS versions..

Additionally with 64bit OS requirement you WILL need MORE memory.. 32bit Windows OS memory access STOPS at 3.2 GB of RAM, it cannot see or use any more memory above 3.2 GB..

64bit Windows OS can access more than 3.2 GB and works much better with 8 GB or 16 GB..

If you do want to use 64 bit programs you need to check your OS version to make sure it IS 64 bit..