Why 86 instead of 32

For most of the time, we used a 32bit chip each number represented with 32 bits that had x86 architecture. I'm not considering ARM here. Now, due to the limitation of memory usage with 32bit chip that it can only support 4GB of RAM, x86 was then extended to be used on 64 bit chip, so basically now the same architecture instructions set was used to build a chip that used 64bit to represent a number, hence 64bit chip.

Initially it was called x and later reduced to x64 which meant that x86 is the architecture on a 64bit chip. How to write and read multiple types of data using Data Writer and Data Reader. Get Network usage information in UWP apps. Http API. Switch the ListView Datatemplate from one data template to another data template? Viewed 61k times. Improve this question.

Community Bot 1 1 1 silver badge. Bacteria Bacteria 7, 10 10 gold badges 48 48 silver badges 62 62 bronze badges. By the name of Intel processor family. Because time-machines are not real. The term x32 did not surface until x64 got well established. It still doesn't describe an architecture, it is an abi. Hans: Doesn't it describe an ISA? Show 1 more comment.

Active Oldest Votes. Improve this answer. Note that you mostly only find the term "x64" in the Windows world. Linux uses x or amd And i or i means bit x Also note that the Linux x32 ABI is bit pointers in bit mode.

Add a comment. Sign up or log in Sign up using Google. Awesome PC Accessories. Best Linux Laptops. Best Bluetooth Trackers. Best eReaders. Best Gaming Monitors.

Best Android Phones. Browse All News Articles. Prey Predator Prequel Hulu. Window 11 SE Downgrade. Disney Plu TikTok. Windows 11 Default Browser Block. Teams in Windows 11 Taskbar. Smart TVs Ads. Team Comes to Workplace by Meta.

Block People Spotify. Verizon Selling PS5. Windows 11 SE Explained. Find Downloaded Files on an iPhone. Use Your iPhone as a Webcam. Hide Private Photos on iPhone. Take Screenshot by Tapping Back of iPhone. Should You Upgrade to Windows 11? Browse All Windows Articles. Copy and Paste Between Android and Windows. Protect Windows 10 From Internet Explorer. Mozilla Fights Double Standard.