31 October 2023

x64 Vs x86 | Difference | Comparison

Both Intel and AMD produced the two most popular instruction set architectures(ISAs), which are referred to as the x86 and x64 architectures. An instruction set specification(ISA) defines how software controls the CPU and how machine code operates. The difference between x64 and x86 architectures is explained in this article.

The x64 often known as x86-64 is a family of instruction set architecture for computer processors that is comparable to the x86. However, x64 differs from x86 in that it uses an operating system and 64-bit CPUs instead of 32-bit ones. According to its manufacturers, it is formally called as AMD 64 and Intel 64 respectively.

It was initially conceived under the name of x86-64. More specifically, the architecture name for the x86 instruction set extension that supports 64-bit code is x64.

What is x86 architecture?

The intel corporation created the instruction set architecture(ISA) family of computer processors known as the x86. They specify how an operating system and application programs' various instructions are managed and carried out by a processor. The ISA version is indicated by the x in x86. 

In 1978, the x86 architecture was created. The Intel 8086 and 8088 microprocessors serve as its foundation. Instruction sets for 16-bit computers gradually expanded to 32-bit instruction sets. Because it can run nearly any kind of computer, from PCs to supercomputers, it has been embraced by a number of other microprocessor manufacturers.

These days any 32-bit CPU capable of executing the x86 instruction set is referred to as x86. Almost any type of computer, from servers and supercomputers to laptops and notebooks, can operate an x86 microprocessor.

x64 Vs x86 | Difference between x64 and x86

  • x64 introduced in 2000, x86 introduced in 1978.
  • The creator of x64 is AMD, whereas the creator of x86 is Intel.
  • Creates an extension of the x86 architecture, The origin of x86 is based on the Intel 8086 processor.
  • Supports parallel transmission of larger chunks of data via the 64-bit data bus, but the x86 supports parallel transmission of only  32 bits via a 32-bit bus in a single go.
  • The addressable space of x64 is 16 EB, Addressable space of x86 is 4 GB.
  • A bit amount of x64 is a 64-bit architecture, x86-bit amount of 32-bit architecture.
  • The RAM limit of x64 is 16 billion GB, on the other hand, the RAM limit of x86 is 4GB.
  • x64 allows high-speed processing of large sets of integers, inherently faster than x86, x86 is slower and less powerful compared to x64.
  • The stores of x64 large data amounts with fewer registers, on the other hand, x86 utilizes more resisters to split and store data.
  • x64 supports both 64-bit and 32-bit apps and programs, but x86 does not support for 64-bit apps and programs.
  • Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Linux, and Mac OS support OS systems in x64, whereas Windows XP, Vista, 7,8, and Linux operating systems support x86.
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