CPU Architectures and Features

32-bit vs. 64-bit Architectures

• 32-bit Processors:
  • Can access up to 2^32 values (~4 billion values)
  • Maximum memory access: 4 GB
• 64-bit Processors:
  • Can access up to 2^64 values (extremely large amount of data)
  • Maximum memory access: 17 billion GB (OS dependent)

Identifying System Types in Windows

• Control Panel > System Settings will show system type.
• Examples:
  • 64-bit OS with x64-based processor

Hardware Drivers

• Must match OS type:
  • 32-bit OS requires 32-bit drivers
  • 64-bit OS requires 64-bit drivers

Software Abbreviations

• 32-bit Software:
  • Abbreviated as x86 (from Intel 8086 line)
• 64-bit Software:
  • Abbreviated as x64

Software Compatibility

• 32-bit OS:
  • Cannot run 64-bit applications
• 64-bit OS:
  • Can run both 32-bit and 64-bit applications
• Installation Paths:
  • 32-bit apps: Program Files (x86)
  • 64-bit apps: Program Files

ARM Architecture

• Advanced RISC Machine (ARM):
  • Developed by ARM Limited
  • Efficient, low power, fast processing
  • Widely used in mobile devices and IoT
• Growing capabilities, blurring lines with traditional 64-bit OS

CPU Components

• Processor Core:
  • Main processing unit
  • Modern CPUs have multiple cores (dual-core, quad-core, multi-core)
• Caches:
  • May be dedicated to a single core or shared
  • Boost processing speed
• Integrated Components:
  • Memory controllers, graphics processors within the CPU

Hyper-Threading Technology (HTT)

• Single physical CPU core appears as multiple cores
• Increases throughput by ~15-30%
• Requires both CPU and OS support
• Modern OS support HTT

Virtualization Support

• Allows running additional OS inside primary OS
• Offloads work from software to hardware
• Intel: Virtualization Technology (VT)
• AMD: AMD Virtualization (AMD-V)
• Enable virtualization capabilities in BIOS