What is the difference between a 32 bit and a 64 bit download file?
In: Technology
Since /u/Bananajesus gave the technical answer here’s the practical differences:
* If you have a 64 bit system, you can use either. If you have a 32 bit system (ancient), only the 32 bit version works for you.
* 64 bit programs are typically a bit memory hungrier, since 64 bit data takes more room.
* 64 bit programs are typically a bit faster because they take advantage of newer processor features. Nothing very dramatic, though.
* 64 bit programs can use more memory. 32 bit code is limited to 2GB typically, 64 bit programs are effectively unlimited.
So, does this matter for you?
* In many cases, it makes little difference for the end user. For small programs you probably won’t notice anything different.
* That said, all modern development is on 64 bit, so you should prefer that if possible, if only because it’s what gets more testing.
* For large programs (3D editors, games, etc) it can make a **huge** difference though. 3D editors and games can run into the 2 GB memory limit, and often just crash as a result. So for anything big, you should definitely go with 64 bit. It might even look prettier, since using more RAM allows for bigger textures.
Latest Answers