What does x86 windows mean? Difference between Windows x86 and x32

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.

For many users of the Windows operating system, it is no secret that there are two versions of it based on the type of bit depth. These are 32 bit and 64. Everyone needs to know the bit depth of their operating system, because when searching and downloading drivers, programs and games, it is taken into account.

But there is some confusion with the designations of the bit capacity of the system, as well as drivers and programs. There are three designations for two bit sizes - x32, x64 and x86. For this reason, the question often arises: is the 32-bit version x64 or x86?

You will find the answer to this question in this article.

The second designation of the 32-bit version of the software

To further eliminate confusion regarding the bitness of software, which includes the operating system, drivers, programs and games, remember that there are two main versions of software bitness - 32 bits and 64 bits. The 64-bit version can only be designated as x64, but the 32-bit version can be designated as both x32 and x86.

Here is an example of the designation of a 64-bit version of a driver for a laptop on its official website:

Here are the possible designations for the 32-bit version:

Bit capacity designation on the driver website

Designation of bit depth in the program description

From all of the above we can conclude that the 32-bit version of the software is x86.

x64 denotes a 64-bit version of some software. Please take this into account when selecting the version of drivers and any other programs.

In order to see what bitness of your operating system you have, just right-click on the “Computer” icon on your desktop and select “Properties”.

I think that almost every PC user has faced the problem of choosing an OS for their computer. It is for selecting the bit depth of the required Windows system. Some say that you need to choose depending on the processor, others say that it depends on the amount of RAM. There were rumors that you even need to select it according to the volume of the hard drive.

So let's finally figure out what OS bit depth is, why it is needed and what to do with it.

Bit depth is

Bit capacity is the number of bits that are processed simultaneously by any device or transmitted by the bus of any device. This rule is used to determine the bit capacity of computer equipment or its components. Well, for example, the capacity of the processor, or RAM, or something else.

In fact, to give a more accurate description of the bit depth, as well as to describe the principle of operation, it will take much more time and the use of many technical terms that not many will understand.

So there is no point in going into specific details now, but let’s just look at everyday examples.

OS and RAM capacity

Let's look at which system is better to use for a particular amount of RAM.

Surely everyone has already heard that windows x32 or x86 (this is the same as x32) do not support more than 4 GB of RAM. Well, in some ways this is true. Just not completely.

For example, you have 4GB of RAM and Win 7 x86. If you open system properties, you will see that the OS is using no more than 3.5 GB. And yes, this is true, 32-bit systems cannot use more than 3.5 GB of RAM. But then a serious question arises. If your PC has 4GB of RAM, is it worth switching to a 64-bit system?

My answer is again no! The higher the bit capacity of the system, the more space in RAM its variables will take up. Thus, the volume of working applications will increase by at least 30%. This means that for optimal performance, each application and service will occupy more RAM than on a 32-bit system.

So if you switch from a 32-bit system to a 64-bit system, while having 4GB of RAM. At best, you won't notice the difference. At worst, the difference will be quite significant for you.

Of course, if you have more than 4GB of RAM, then you should not use systems of lower capacity, but feel free to install x64. BUT! If the RAM is less than 4GB, then install ONLY x32 (x86); otherwise, a 64-bit system simply will not have enough RAM for normal operation.

You can increase the amount of RAM on an x64 system almost as much as you want. Here you are limited only by the capabilities of your motherboard and the maximum supported system volume of 192GB.

Difference between x64 and x32 system.

Yes, in fact, not any kind. Well, there are a couple of little things.

For example, as was said earlier, you probably know this yourself. A 32-bit system does not see more than 3.5GB of RAM, a x64 system sees up to 192GB.

Also, program variables in x64 systems take up more code space in RAM, thereby increasing the load on the PC component and increasing the occupied space in RAM. But such a system is capable of unleashing the full potential of your computer.

A 64-bit system is capable of running x64 applications and also x32, while a x32 (x86) system is only capable of running applications of its own bit size, and nothing more.

That's just about the programs. At the moment, many applications are already switching to x64 bit. The list of such applications includes video games and video editors. This is because they need more resources for their work.

A very clear example of this is the game bioshock infinite. At the time I played it, it was ONLY available for x64 systems.

Another difference is the difference in drivers, well, I think everything should be clear here. The driver (collective farm explanation) essentially explains to the system how it needs to work with this or that equipment of your PC. So if you had 4GB of RAM and an x32 system, then you only needed drivers. Now you are only changing the system, not changing the RAM. You will already need new firewood that is comparable to work with 64-bit systems.

Working with the processor

Here I didn’t even know whether to describe it or not. In fact, if you are an ordinary user, then you don’t have to think too much about this, because now modern processors can work with both systems. Of course, problems may arise when installing more professional systems other than the Windows family. For example Linux. Oddly enough, this system is also divided by bit depth and will not be installed on certain processors if the bit depth does not match. If it is installed, it will work crookedly and with lags.

This can happen when installing a Linux i686 system on an AMD processor. AMD, by the way, are mainly considered processors for x64 bit systems. So if you have an AMD processor, then feel free to install more RAM and upgrade to an x64 system.

But there are cases when the processor is designed only for a specific OS bit level. In this case, you need to find out what bit depth your processor can work with if you switch to another system.

If your processor is designed only for x32, and you are going to install an x64 system, then most likely the installation will simply not even start. In the worst case, the system will not work correctly, which can cause big problems in the future.

You can find out detailed information on the processor either from its documentation, on the manufacturer’s website, or you can simply use various utilities.

Applications

As for applications, then, of course, you should not install x64 applications on an x32 (x86) system. But as for the other way around, it makes no difference, x64 bit systems support both applications.

By the way, you can open the bit size of your system by opening My Computer, directly clicking on any place and selecting properties. A window will open in which you will see what system you have installed.

Actually, that's all. Once again, I draw your attention to the fact that the system bit depth should be selected only depending on the RAM, as well as depending on the processor. Neither the size of the hard drive, nor any transition to SSD, nor which video cards affect the operation of the system. Only CPU and RAM.

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When installing the Windows operating system on your computer, many of you probably saw one of these strange inscriptions, referred to as bit depth: x32, x64 and x86. Few people know what these numbers are, but a legend has appeared that the higher this number, the more powerful the operating system is. Looking ahead, I will say that this is not so, although there is some truth in these words.

The numbers mentioned just above indicate nothing more than the processor capacity. The latter uses memory storing intermediate parameters to carry out various tasks. If the size of this memory is 32 bits, then the processor (and operating system) is called 32-bit, and if it is 64 bits, then 64-bit, respectively. It is very difficult to get confused here. But what does the number x86 mean - 86 bits? Not at all, this is another designation for a 32-bit processor.

It is important to remember one important detail - if you did not specifically install a 64-bit operating system, then it will be 99% 32-bit. However, this rule applies only to those computers that were released approximately before 2010-2011, because at present 32-bit processors have practically ceased to be produced. All new laptops and PCs are equipped exclusively with Windows x64.

Are you confused yet? Great, then let's continue to delve further into this topic. In the past, 32-bit memory was sufficient - even if the processor lacked memory, it would split it into several 32-bit parts, which in turn had a detrimental effect on the processing time of computing tasks. Subsequently, powerful computing PCs began to appear on sale, for which 32 bits of memory was simply not enough. Then the manufacturers decided to create a more powerful 64-bit processor, the memory of which was enough to instantly cope with even complex tasks. As I mentioned just above, today almost all manufacturers have switched to creating 64-bit processors. At the same time, you can install the usual 32-bit Windows operating system on it - the processor will simulate the operation of a 32-bit processor. When installing Windows x64, all power will be used.

Is it worth switching to Windows 64 bit? The question is very interesting, but the answer to it probably will not please you - it depends solely on your needs. That is, do you use complex programs that require a lot of computational work, then yes, it’s definitely worth switching. If you use a PC to surf the Internet, then you are unlikely to ever need to use the processor. However, I will talk about this in more detail below.

Differences between x32 and x64

I would like to tell you in more detail about the differences between bit depths.

• Perhaps the main difference is that the x32 version of Windows can support no more than 3 GB of RAM, while the x64 version can work with 32 GB at once. In addition, x32 is capable of running only 32-bit programs, for which no more than 3 GB of memory will be allocated, and the remaining GB will simply not be used by it. x64 can easily handle 32-bit programs, allocating more than 3 GB for them. For 64-bit applications, all the data used in the computer can be used.

• The next difference is no less important: x64 supports multiple cores and processors simultaneously. Therefore, if you have, say, a quad-core processor, then it is better to install this version of Windows, since it will run much faster.

In general, these are all the differences that may be of interest to you.

Pros and cons

Let's go through all the points again and highlight all the pros and cons of both versions of Windows.

• x64 is more powerful if you have a multi-core processor or multiple processors at once. In other cases, you will not find any noticeable improvements.

• 64-bit Windows allows you to work with more than 3 GB of RAM. Considering that even a regular browser like Mozilla Firefox can easily eat up 1 GB of memory, this is a huge plus.

• Some programs and applications are capable of running exclusively on x32 systems and do not support x64.

• Manufacturers still have not released 64-bit versions of drivers for some of their components, which can become a real problem.

How to find out the bitness of Windows?

Well, finally, I’ll tell you how to find out which version of the operating system is installed on your computer.

• For Windows 7, you need to hover your mouse over the “Computer” icon, right-click and select “Properties”. In the window that opens, you need to find the line “System type”, where the bit depth will be indicated.

• In the case of XP, you need to do the same procedure, only there is one nuance: if the word 64-Bit is indicated in the “System” item, then you have 64-bit Windows. If there is no such word, it means 32-bit.

Windows x64 or x86 which one to install, what is the difference?Installing a computer operating system is a very important point. Often, PC users are in doubt when choosing between the two versions 64 or 86. In order to choose the right option, you need to know what their differences are. And only then will you be able to determine which of these chips is right for you.

Until recently, operating systems made it possible to work with programs on a 16-bit basis. They were replaced by improved 32-bit architectures. And finally, the most modern version was created - 64-bit architectures. Now manufacturers are trying to produce chips on a 64-bit basis. Although there is also its 32-bit analogue. It's called x86.

AMD was a pioneer in the development of the x64 operating system. Because of this, developers often refer to 64-bit based computer chips as "64amd". You need to know this, since installed drivers may be marked accordingly. You can install it on a computer with 64-bit architecture from any company.

If you want to find out what operating system chip is on your computer, right-click on the “Computer” shortcut on your desktop. In the menu that opens, click on “Properties”. In the window that appears, you can see all the characteristics of your computer, including the bitness of your operating system.

It is wrong to think that installing an OS on a 64-bit basis is a winner. This operating system has very high memory requirements; if your computer has less than 8 GB of RAM, this system simply will not see it. It may also happen that for components installed in the old x86 operating system, it will be difficult to find drivers for a later version.

It is very beneficial that some 32-bit based programs have access to 4GB of RAM, such as some games. At the same time, with x86 chips the situation is exactly the opposite - they cannot handle anything over 3GB. Again, we can't say which of these chips is better. This depends on the characteristics of the PC on which this operating system is installed.

It should be mentioned that x64 OS also has its own RAM limit of 192 GB. In addition, the applications of this chip occupy more space than the 32-bit architecture. Although this rule does not apply to entertainment applications, music and movies. If you have a PC with 4 GB of RAM, you really have a choice.

On the one hand, a 32-bit architecture does not require more than 3 GB of memory, on the other hand, a 64-bit analogue will require much more. Your choice should be based in this case on the tasks that you set for your computer, and then on mathematical calculations. If you work with Dreamweaver CS5, Photoshop CS5, then you can safely install an OS with 64-bit architecture; its x86 counterpart simply will not be able to read these programs. When choosing an OS, decide for yourself what the main function of your PC entertainment or work is and, based on your goal, choose.

Let's sum it up: if you have a x32 bit OS, and you want to install a x64 bit OS, then you need to make sure that your computer has 4GB. random access memory. Since x64 works faster than x32 only if there is a large amount of memory. If you only have 2GB of RAM, then there is no point in reinstalling on x64.