CPUs and architecture
What does "64-bit" in "64-bit CPU" mainly refer to?
- AThe number of CPU cores
- BThe capacity of the cache memory
- CThe width of integer data handled at once, such as general-purpose registers and addresses
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. The width of integer data handled at once, such as general-purpose registers and addresses
A 64-bit CPU has general-purpose registers and addresses 64 bits wide and can handle 64-bit integers at once. A 32-bit CPU is limited to an address space of about 4 GB, whereas 64 bits allows far larger memory.
- A. The number of cores is a separate metric from bit width.
- B. Cache capacity is not expressed by bit width.
- C. Correct. It is the width of data and addresses handled at once.