Why we don’t have 128 bit OS or CPUs?

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Why we don’t have 128 bit OS or CPUs?

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Anonymous 0 Comments

Because performance does not scale linearly with number of bits. Simply put, the number of use cases which needs more bits is pretty limited. 64 bits is plenty enough for any number you’d typically store.

More bits are mostly useful when shoveling data around, such as copying big blocks of memory or performing some operation on a big block of memory. This is why graphic cards often have wider buses/more bits. But the GPU is a very specialized beast, while a CPU is much more general.

It would be like making all transports by giant cargo ships. Sure, they are great at hauling huge loads, but somewhat ineffective to go shop for groceries.

Or, to use another example, it would be like building 10 lane highways on every road/street. It just isn’t worth the cost.

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