The rookie entry: the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 and WIN XP (1)

x86 is the standard abbreviation for intel processor-based systems. X has nothing to do with the processor, it is a simple wildcard definition for all *86 systems, is the number of an intel general-purpose computer series, and also identifies a common set of computer instructions, since the CPU numbers of the early intels are 8086, 80286 to number, because the entire series of CPUs are instruction-compatible, so they use X86 to identify the set of instructions used. Today's Pentium, P2, P4, Celeron series support X86 command system, so both Belongs to the X86 family.

The 64-bit technology here is relative to 32-bit. This bit refers to the CPU GPRs (General-Purpose Registers) with a data width of 64 bits and 64 bits. The instruction set is an instruction to run 64-bit data, which means that the processor can run 64-bit data at a time. 64bit processors are not available now. In the high-end RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing), there are 64bit processors, such as SUN's UltrASParc III, IBM's POWER5, HP's Alpha, etc. .

Simply say x86 stands for 32-bit operating system x64 stands for 64-bit operating system.

64bit computing has two main advantages: it can perform a larger range of integer operations; it can support larger memory. It is not possible to assume that the performance of a 64-bit processor is twice that of a 32-bit processor because of the digital changes. In fact, in 32-bit applications, the performance of 32-bit processors will be even stronger. Even 64-bit processors are currently more powerful in 32-bit applications. So be aware of the advantages of 64bit processors, but not superb 64bit.

To achieve 64-bit computing in the true sense, it is not possible to have a 64-bit processor. You must also have a 64-bit operating system and 64-bit application software. The three are indispensable. The lack of any of these elements is impossible to achieve 64-bit computing. At present, in the 64-bit processor, Intel and AMD processor manufacturers have released a series of 64-bit processors of various specifications; in terms of operating systems and application software, the current situation is not optimistic. Because the 64-bit operating system that is really suitable for personal use is now only Windows XP X64, and Windows XP X64 itself is just a transitional 64-bit operating system, it will be eliminated after the release of Windows Vista, and Windows XP X64 itself Not perfect, easy to use is not high, an obvious example is that the drivers of various hardware devices are not perfect, and now 64-bit application software is still basically not, indeed hardware manufacturers and software vendors are not willing to go for a A transitional operating system writes drivers and applications. So in order to achieve true 64-bit computing, I am afraid I have to wait until Windows Vista has been popular for a while.

The current 64-bit technology used by mainstream CPUs mainly includes AMD's AMD 64-bit technology, Intel's EM64T technology, and Intel's IA-64 technology. Among them, IA-64 is independently developed by Intel and is not compatible with the current traditional 32-bit computer. It is only used for Itanium and subsequent products Itanium 2, which is not covered by general users, so it is only for AMD 64-bit technology and Intel. EM64T technology to do a brief introduction.

AMD64-bit technology

AMD64's bit technology is based on the original 32-bit X86 instruction set, adding X86-64 extended 64-bit X86 instruction set, making this chip compatible with hardware. The original 32-bit X86 software, while supporting X86-64 extended 64-bit computing, makes this chip a true 64-bit X86 chip. This is a true 64-bit standard and the X86-64 has 64-bit addressing.