The difference between 32 and 64 bit processors
Intel Pentium 3
Today, there are two different processor formats, 32 bit, and 64 bit. Both have been around since the late 1970s, but didn't see mainstream use until much later. 32 bit (also know as x86) processors entered mainstream use around the mid 1990s, with the introduction of the Intel Pentium 3, and the AMD equivalent. 32 bit allowed computers to use up to 4 gigabytes of RAM (Which was also limited to the OS back in the day) and is still used today, although it has largely been replaced by 64 bit processors. 64 bit format allows the computer to use up to 16 exabytes of RAM (OS's still limit the max, Windows 7 can read up to 150 gigabytes of RAM). 64 bit can also read date faster, since it has 64 data pipelines vs 32 pipe lines. The Processor at the right is a Pentium 3, developed in 1995 it was the fastest commercial processor of the day, processors of this type are no longer produced, but some adapters float around the internet, allowing computers with this type to use up to a Pentium 4, which in itself is slow in todays standards.
processor speed
Processor Speed tells you how fast your CPU generally is. other factors exist, such as single core performance and cache. Processor is what matters the most. Speeds in a modern CPU are measured in Gigahertz (GHz). At the moment, Intel reigns supreme with their Core ix series, generally being the fastest with single core and cache performance. As always when looking at a CPU make sure to choose one with a decent level of Single core, GHz, and Cache. The higher these are the faster your CPU will be.
Multi core processors
A multi core processor is a processor with more than two "Cores" in it. A core is the processing unit in a processor, so in a dual core, there is two processing units in one processor. Both processors would have the same dimensions, and there would have very few physical differences other than pin counts
An example would be the two processors shown, the one on the left is a Sempron, which is a single core processor. While the one on the right is an Athlon 64 x2, a dual core processor. These CPU's have become standard, with even smart phones including a multi core CPU. Single core processors have become a thing of the past. |
An AMD Athlon 64 x2, an example of a dual core processor
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INtel or amd?
Plenty of people ask this question, what is better? Intel is generally faster than AMD, but they cost more money than AMD. AMD has more bang for buck, with most quads and up starting at 100 USD +. Intel has reigned supreme with gaming with their single core performance, but since AMD released Ryzen they have caught up and offer a quality budget product to sell that can have similar performance. Intel is currently the fastest with their Core i9's but AMD at that level have CPU's for a far better price.
