What is the Difference Between x86 and x64?

The main difference between x86 and x64 is the bit size of their processors and the amount of memory they can access. Here are the key differences between the two architectures:

1. Bit size: x86 refers to a 32-bit CPU and operating system, while x64 refers to a 64-bit CPU and operating system.
2. Memory access: x86 has a limited maximum physical memory of 4 GB, while x64 can handle 8, 16, and even 32 GB of physical memory.
3. Compatibility: x86 is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit applications, while a computer with x86 can only run 32-bit programs.
4. Speed and processing power: x64 allows for high-speed processing of large sets of integers and is inherently faster than x86.
5. RAM limit: x86 has an actual usable RAM limit of 3.2 GB, while x64 supports up to 16 billion GB of RAM.

In summary, x64 is an extension of the x86 architecture that enables 64-bit code, allowing for greater memory access and processing power. x86 is limited to 32-bit processors and operating systems, resulting in slower speeds and less efficient memory usage compared to x64.

Comparative Table: x86 vs x64

The main differences between x86 and x64 architectures are summarized in the following table:

In summary, x86 is a 32-bit instruction set architecture, while x64 is a 64-bit instruction set architecture. x64 offers several advantages over x86, including the ability to handle larger amounts of RAM, faster processing, and support for high-speed data transmission. The x64 architecture was created by AMD as an extension of the x86 architecture, which was developed by Intel.