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32-bit computing

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32-bit computing
Refers to CPUs that process 32 bits as a single unit. Although 32-bit CPUs were used in mainframes as early as the 1960s, personal computers began to migrate from 16 to 32 bits in the 1980s. Starting with the first 32-bit 386 chips in 1985, Intel x86 CPUs were built with a 16-bit mode for compatibility with 16-bit applications (see 386).

The 32-bit mode does not result in two times as much real work getting done as in 16-bit mode, because it relates to internal processing. Disk, memory, cache and bus sizes and speeds play important roles in a computer's performance (see throughput). See 64-bit computing and bit specifications.

                  Bytes       Typical
      CPU       Processed     Memory
  Environment  At one time    Capacity

    64-bit        8           GB to TB

    32-bit        4           4GB +

    16-bit        2           1MB

     8-bit        1           65KB


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The new processor enables 32-bit computing with a transition to 64-bit computing, Enhanced Virus Protection, extended system battery life and wireless compatibility with wireless solutions, including wireless LAN 802.
The new Mobile AMD Athlon 64 processor 3000+ for thin and light notebooks enables a powerful 32-bit computing experience today with a seamless transition to 64-bit computing.
Cluster computing users in particular will appreciate the availability of Wolfram Research's gridMathematica for AMD64 that provides a smooth migration path from scalar 32-bit computing to parallel 64-bit computing.
 
 
 
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