32-bit vs. 64-bit Programs

Kasumi

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Sep 12, 2012

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• Sep 26, 2012

• #1

The only thing a tech illiterate like me understood from Wikipedia is that the 64-bit can process more data than the 32-bit. I'd always thought it would be simple - 32-bit programs for 32-bit computers and 64-bit programs for 64-bit computers, right? But something I've learned since my forays into using JPCSP is that even with a 64-bit computer, 64-bit programs/applications are not the automatic answer (it was well-known that using 64-bit version would cause it to crash or something). Since I have a 64-bit computer, I've wondered whether to get 32- or 64-bit versions of programs. I was just going to redownload WinRAR when the list of options appeared before me and I was struck by the question again.

So really, are you supposed to stick to your bit number, use 32 to ensure stability or does it really not matter?

 

corocoro

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Oct 16, 2010

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• Sep 26, 2012

• #2

Use 64bit where offered, and 32bit if there's no 64bit version or there are known stability issues.
WinRar 64bit is significantly faster than its 32bit counterpart, so you should really pick that.

 

Checkmate

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• Sep 26, 2012

• #3

if your processor support 64 bit instruction, and your OS does as well, then using a 64 bit software is faster than 32 bit counterparts because it is faster. Stability is how the software is coded itself (bug and stuff can cause problems, or your OS), there's nothing such as 64 bit is less stable than 32 bit.

However, 64-bit software tends to uses more RAM. It doesn't really matter in desktop or server application but in micro application where ram is limited (like small smart electronic devices such as temperature sensor, weather sensor, cellphone, network router, and the likes), 32-bit instruction is still preferable.

That said, this trend will change gradually because they can make smaller ram, with more capacity. So cellphone will be using 64 bit instruction in the near future as high-end phone starts to have 2GB for their RAM (ARM AArch64)

 

alexsdu

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Nov 29, 2010

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• Sep 26, 2012

• #4

64-bit PC can use higher RAM capacity, while 32-bit can only go up to 4GB RAM.
Think about the long run. Games are now getting more and more RAM-hungry.

 

Kasumi

AFK Master

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Sep 12, 2012

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• Sep 26, 2012

• #5

Ah, I see. that does make sense. But my RAM is 4GB, does this mean I shouldn't use 64-bit after all? All though I understand this depends on the program-in-question's RAM consumption (which in the case of WinRAR, I highly doubt is much).

 

corocoro

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Oct 16, 2010

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• Sep 27, 2012

• #6

Unless you have a work-related program that requires a 32bit OS, you should use 64bit. Don't get confused by people who didn't read the first post properly. :P

 

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Reactions: Kasumi

Kasumi

AFK Master

Elite Member

Sep 12, 2012

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• Sep 27, 2012

• #7

Ah, all righty then. That clears up loads of stuff for me Thanks, corocoro!

 

dark5

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Jul 19, 2012

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• Jan 22, 2013

• #8

i use 64 bit program if its available in x64 version since its process faster.
e.g. WinRAR x64, Adobe Softwares, Firefox (Nightly x64), Thunderbird (EarlyBird x64), MPC-HC, etc
i will use 32 bit if there is no x64 version of software and have known issue of problem.
e.g. Microsoft Office 2010, Chrome, Winamp, etc