Running 32-bit programs on a 64-bit OS

SuperStinger123

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Nov 6, 2014
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My CPU is not the best, so I want to squeeze the most out of it for gaming.

Ive heard that running a 32-bit application on a 64-bit OS ( Im running win 7 btw ) requires extra processing power to convert memory pointer/instructions to work with 32-bit.

Can someone clarify the truthfulness of this statement and if it is true and significant, how much processing power would be freed by switching back to 32-bit ( Regardless of RAM ).
 
Solution
When you are running 64 bit Windows and want to run a 32 bit application it emulates a 32 bit OS to run it on, faking everything down a level isn't too difficult so you don't take much of a performance hit. Windows is very efficient at this emulation so you really won't be saving too much.

32 bit Windows also runs 16 bit applications in an emulator, but Windows won't stack emulators because that results in a mega hit which is why 64 bit Windows cannot run 16 bit applications.

Windows has been emulating itself on occasion for a decade, its very efficient, don't worry about it.
64 bit can run 32 and 64 bit. Wouldn't have a clue about the processing power. But you can use more ram in 64 bit than 32 bit

And with games it probably wouldnt make any diff, if the games were 32 bit. They'll run the same like if youre using 32 bit
 
When you are running 64 bit Windows and want to run a 32 bit application it emulates a 32 bit OS to run it on, faking everything down a level isn't too difficult so you don't take much of a performance hit. Windows is very efficient at this emulation so you really won't be saving too much.

32 bit Windows also runs 16 bit applications in an emulator, but Windows won't stack emulators because that results in a mega hit which is why 64 bit Windows cannot run 16 bit applications.

Windows has been emulating itself on occasion for a decade, its very efficient, don't worry about it.
 
Solution