Quote:
Originally Posted by Nil Einne
Most of the SoC Atoms are indeed 32 bit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atom_%28system_on_chip%29 http://ark.intel.com/products/70105/...Cache-1_80-GHz . Bear in mind there's no guaranteed advantage over 64 bit if you're using 2GB or less. If you're using 3-4GB, there's some limited advantage in that you can be sure all memory will be addressable and either the kernel or programs can use the full amount of memory (or as much as the OS allows) whereas without 64 bit with most OSes or at least without PAE it's possible not all memory will be addressable (particularly with 4GB) and the kernel or programs will usually be limited to 2GB or so each (depending on the OS and set-up, sometimes it may be 3/1 or other possibilities). Above 4GB, some memory will definitely not be accessible (again without PAE) with 32 bit.
Ignoring RAM issues, note that even on a x86-64 CPU, there's no guarantee 64 bit programs will run faster then their 32 bit equivalents, it depends a lot on their optimisations and design. |
Just as an additional note:
Microsoft recommends, installing the 32bit version of Office over the 64bit (even on Microsoft Surface Pro) version due to potential compatibilty/performance issues.