Chrome 64-bit Vs 32-bit For Windows – Is 64-bit Worth Installing?

[anuseems]

Chromes onward march to be the dominant web browser continues as Google recently released Chrome 64-bit for Windows. What this means is that this particular version of Chrome is optimized to run on Windows computers with 64-bit processors.

Who Can Use Chrome 64-bit?

Anyone who is using Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 on a computer with a 64-bit processor can use Chrome 64-bit. Whats the difference? Im glad you asked. We can help you learn a lot more about the difference between a 32-bit and a 64-bit Windows operating system.

Windows 8 64 bit Chrome 64 bit Vs 32 bit For Windows Is 64 bit Worth Installing?

First, make sure your computer is running the 64-bit version of Windows. If you dont know how to tell, here are four easy ways to know if youre on a 64-bit version of Windows.

Why Chrome 64-Bit?

Why did Google need to make a version of Chrome specifically for 64-bit Windows installations? Thats a reasonable question and here are some reasonable answers:

Speed: 64-bit processors are faster than their comparable 32-bit counterparts. So why not make a browser that takes advantage of that? Google says they see an average of 25% improvement in performance, especially in visual elements.

Security: 64-bit Windows systems are a little more secure than their 32-bit counterparts. The 64-bit version of Chrome also utilizes Windows 8 features to help make it harder for hackers to target processes running on your computer. If they cant find it, they cant hack it.

Stability: Google reports that Chrome 64-bit crashes only half as much as the 32-bit Chrome. Which is pretty impressive, as they already had a very low crash rate.

Chrome 64-bit Look and Feel

Dont worry about the 64-bit version being hard to get used to because of design or layout changes. There arent any. Google continues to show its strength in minimalist user interface design by sticking to the look and feel you already love in Chrome. The look is the same, the settings are the same, the layout is the same nothing new to learn.

chrome on different devices Chrome 64 bit Vs 32 bit For Windows Is 64 bit Worth Installing?

Is 64-bit Chrome Really Better?

Thats what you really want to know, right? Do the numbers support making the switch? Are you going to really benefit from it? Is it faster? If you just load it on your computer and start working with it, it might seem faster. But how can you really be sure unless you have solid numbers from Chrome 32-bit to back it up? Thats why weve done some testing.

The Comparison Test: 64-bit Vs 32-bit

Testing was performed on Chrome 32-bit on a laptop running Windows 8.1 64-bit with no extensions enabled. Then Chrome 32-bit was uninstalled and Chrome 64-bit installed on the same laptop. Then the same tests were run. Everything else on the laptop stayed the same, so it was a static environment.

Chrome Browser Loading Time

Lets look at the numbers. The first test is the Application Loading Time Test using a program called AppTimer. Both versions of Chrome were loaded and unloaded 10 times at 1000 ms intervals. Initially, Chrome 64-bit loaded faster than Chrome 32, but in the end Chrome 64-bit seemed to really slow down.

load time chart Chrome 64 bit Vs 32 bit For Windows Is 64 bit Worth Installing?

Use Of System Resources

Lets take a look at how the two versions use system resources. The MakeUseOf.com homepage was loaded, Chrome was allowed to finish loading and stabilize, then the system resources used with each version of Chrome was recorded.

task manager 32v64 Chrome 64 bit Vs 32 bit For Windows Is 64 bit Worth Installing?

Chrome 32-bit required just a little more than half (59.5 MB) of the memory that Chrome 64-bit required (111.6 MB). The difference in CPU usage was negligible. This should not be surprising and is no need for concern. Most 64-bit Windows computers will have more than enough RAM to cover the difference.

Benchmark Tests

Peacekeeper, FutureMarks JavaScript engine testing tool, was first used to test the two versions of Chrome. A JavaScript engine testing tool, is only going to tell us how well the browser deals with JavaScript. Thats important because so many functions of a website rely on JavaScript animations, video, calculations, and working with data in general. If you want to learn more about just what JavaScript is, check out our article on that.

peacekeeper 32vs641 Chrome 64 bit Vs 32 bit For Windows Is 64 bit Worth Installing?

Peacekeeper determined that Chrome 32-bit actually performed slightly better than Chrome 64-bit overall. Most of the categories were close, however text parsing was the only area that Chrome 64-bit excelled in over Chrome 32-bit. The scores are close enough that the average person is not likely to notice a significant difference between the two Chrome versions.

Googles Octane 2.0 is another JavaScript engine test. Using Octane 2.0, Chrome 64-bit did perform better than Chrome 32-bit. Many of the categories of testing where fairly close. Again, the difference in results is likely not to be noticeable to the average user.

octane 32v64 Chrome 64 bit Vs 32 bit For Windows Is 64 bit Worth Installing?

HTML5Test checks a browser to see how compliant it is to HTML 5 standards. These standards determine what kind of functionality a website can have using just the HTML language the basic language of the Web. Many of the cool effects, and even video, on the web is now driven by HTML5. The more components a browser supports, the better your Web experience will be. Chrome 32-bit and 64-bit scored identically.

html5 benchmark chrome64 640x286 Chrome 64 bit Vs 32 bit For Windows Is 64 bit Worth Installing?

Thats due to the fact that both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions tested are from the same roll-out of Chrome, number 37. Although there is no difference between the Chrome 32-bit and Chrome 64-bit in this department, its worth noting that Chrome outperforms the other major web browsers for supporting HTML5 standards. See how Chrome compares to Firefox and Opera in general, if youre interested.

Is Chrome 64-bit Worth Using?

Chrome 32-bit and 64-bit versions for Windows are so close in terms of speed and webpage rendering performance that its hard to really call one a clear winner over the other. In the end, it comes down to other capabilities of the browsers stability and security.

We have to take Googles word on the stability. Testing that sort of thing takes an awful long time and is beyond the scope of this article.

The security aspect is definitely better in Chrome 64-bit. By being able to utilize 64-bit processing, Chrome 64-bit is better able to protect against attacks. An analogy would be having a new machine gun that shoots twice as fast as the old machine gun. 64-bit processing is just that much faster and can do more.

Based on stability and security, that should be enough reason to upgrade to Chrome 64-bit for your Windows 64-bit computer. Just dont expect to be blown away with speed increases.

Whats your opinion? Is Chromes 64-bit browser worth it for you? Let us know in the comments.

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/chrome-64-bit-vs-32-bit-for-windows-is-64-bit-worth-installing/

[dcs18]

Though I personally dislike Chrome - Google has, by treading on the 64-bit domain taken a huge step in the right direction.

I am personally pleased as the above step will ow force my favorite browser makers Mozilla to resume development on their Nightlies on a more serious note.

[ney2x]

@dcs18

Firefox x64-bit? I do get them here ---> http://xhmikosr.1f0.de/firefox/ from the dev of Media Player Classic - Home Cinema :)

[dcs18]

@ ney2x

I am using the Nightlies, myself - however, Mozilla is not developing them seriously enough (those releases continue to languish at alpha stage throughout the years.)

In fact some time back, Mozilla had even announced discontinuation of their x64-bit project - they were then, forced to resume development following a huge outcry from their existing Users.

[A.lemane]

absolutely !!!

[oliverjia]

I stopped using firefox, because of the lack of a sandbox. Until ff implement its built-in sandbox, I will not use it again. Currently using chrome x64.

[Airstream_Bill]

As dcs18 stated I hope it makes Firefox get with the program. I to Dislike Google but Chrome 64bit is Probably the FASTEST and SMOOTHEST browser I know of.

[Blackchildcx]

This is a never ending sad story.Chrome good / but suxxx...

FF....ok.....But I stic with FF.fightin for privacy.;)

[Airstream_Bill]

This is a never ending sad story.Chrome good / but suxxx...

FF....ok.....But I stic with FF.fightin for privacy. ;)

Google practices Suck that is for sure. Thier Chrome 64 bit Browser is Probably the BEST.

[Zex]

I'm also a Firefox user myself, but Chrome developers have been really working hard lately. Better HTML5 Support, x64 version and a lot of good extensions released.

Firefox has been adding unimportant stuff and also video playback is buggy[Flash/HTML5]. :(

If I could replace all of my addons, then Chrome here I come.

[Blackchildcx]

Im hardcore disapointed from the latest FF releases...flash crashes so often...browser is heavy and slow..and there is no native x64 support ....

And Im using Androit since a few days (shame over me :wub: , but theres no alternative 4 mobil..if U want to use many good apps......) so why dont use Chrome with Windows?Im sharing the same conection WIFI with my mobil....!!

we see.Right know Im using FF/Opera/IE11...................!

[steven36]

The bottom line here that I read in the 1st post is

Based on stability and security, that should be enough reason to upgrade to Chrome 64-bit for your Windows 64-bit computer. Just dont expect to be blown away with speed increases.

Ive used x86 browsers since 2001 , My antivirus has hips and anti exploit protection plus web protection . If I'm not going to benefit from faster speed why should I switch to a Vanilla build of x64 Firefox that has bugs with many add-ons ? I dont install Goggle nothing I only test portables of GC . Maybe if SWare Iron ever gets the bugs out of there x64 version with flash I will install that one . But tell Firefox makes there own x64 and all add-ons and flash works on all sites work for it . I'm not going to bother . Always every time you read about x64 browsers there's no speed increase and in some cases they are slower . You would have to benchmark x86 and x64 with the same profile to see witch is fastest for you.

For me goggle is not even a very good search engine anymore and dont always give relative results I can use other search and find what Im looking for faster . They been bought out by NSA the MPPA and everything else . With all these privacy issues why should i install there products ? I can Surf the web just fine without them .

[spudboy]

And Im using Androit since a few days

The best browser for Android is Dolphin. Hands down.

[Kalju]

But what You mean/think about Comodo Chromium Secure 36.1.1.3?

https://www.comodo.com/home/browsers-toolbars/chromium-secure-internet-browser.phphttps://cdn.download.comodo.com/chromiumsecure/chromiumsecuresetup.exe

[november_ra1n]

I have been using Chrome 64 bit Enterprise Edition last 2 weeks my first notice Adobe flash player not crashing as it use to crash on 32 bit and seems much smoother and stable to me. I have not able to use Firefox since Google translator not sporting Firefox cause i go many different Languages website and don't bother to use translator wherever i go if i can automatically get in in Google Chrome.

For the CPU usage i really dont see any difference between 32 and 64 bit.

[steven36]

5 Browsers for Security-Conscious Web Users

http://supportz.com/5-browsers-for-security-conscious-web-users/

Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox dont even make the list :P

[CODYQX4]

5 Browsers for Security-Conscious Web Users

http://supportz.com/5-browsers-for-security-conscious-web-users/

Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox dont even make the list :P

All Iron is, is Chrome with insecure options force disabled. You can do everything it does without a single extension. I hate the fact it doesn't get called out as the fraud it is.

That and you end up on a less updated fork that is nothing more than Snake Oil anyway.

PS: All they say Dooble really does is disable Javascript. Easily done with stock.

[dcs18]

If I could replace all of my addons, then Chrome here I come.

Yes, that is the key!!!

Without add-ons, even Internet Explorer feels superior to Firefox - but with add-ons, Firefox rules . . . . . . . . . . the performance and cosmetic charts, as well.

[steven36]

5 Browsers for Security-Conscious Web Users

http://supportz.com/5-browsers-for-security-conscious-web-users/

Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox dont even make the list :P

All Iron is, is Chrome with insecure options force disabled. You can do everything it does without a single extension. I hate the fact it doesn't get called out as the fraud it is.

That and you end up on a less updated fork that is nothing more than Snake Oil anyway.

PS: All they say Dooble really does is disable Javascript. Easily done with stock.

Yes My main browser is CyberFox AMD , I have no script etc etc etc to enforce safety . Right for a 2nd browser I'm testing the one Kalju posted above Comodo Chromium Secure Browser .

[tezza]

@ ney2x

I am using the Nightlies, myself - however, Mozilla is not developing them seriously enough (those releases continue to languish at alpha stage throughout the years.)

In fact some time back, Mozilla had even announced discontinuation of their x64-bit project - they were then, forced to resume development following a huge outcry from their existing Users.

Firefox available as a 64-bit version of Windows, as nightly version for years, but not beyond.

That could change very soon; In November, there could be beta versions of the 64-bit version for Windows.

As the time of release Firefox 37 is proposed, which will appear on the current planning on March 31, 2015.

https://www.soeren-hentzschel.at/mozilla/firefox/2014/10/02/firefox-fuer-windows-64-bit-beta-version-im-november/

:D

[iih1]

I have been using Chrome 64 bit Enterprise Edition last 2 weeks my first notice Adobe flash player not crashing as it use to crash on 32 bit and seems much smoother and stable to me. I have not able to use Firefox since Google translator not sporting Firefox cause i go many different Languages website and don't bother to use translator wherever i go if i can automatically get in in Google Chrome.

For the CPU usage i really dont see any difference between 32 and 64 bit.

For FireFox I'm using S3 Google Translator Add-ons 3.02, check Here and Here

[november_ra1n]

For FireFox I'm using S3 Google Translator Add-ons 3.02, check Here and Here

I have installed same translator half year ago in Firefox but i get use to Google and its own translator. If Firefox comes out 64 bit stable browser then i may go back.

[steven36]

From what testing Ive done so far tested nighties of Firefox x64 , Palemoon x64 and CybyerFox x64 all have bugs with flash not working on some sites . Also having problems getting Grease Monkey to work right in x64 Firefox based browsers . When I test Goggle Chrome x64 flash be working right everywhere in fact you don't even to install flash for Goggle Chrome it has its own . Also Tampermonkey is working right in Goggle Chrome for user scripts . So ATM if you want to use and x64 browser and everything to work right Goggle Chrome x64 is the only way to go . I'm not a fan of Goggle ether its just the truth. Reason I run all these test was not to switch to Goggle Chrome x64 , It was to see if I wanted to switch to CybyerFox x64 and stuff not be working right in it for me . So Its not in my best interest to switch and x64 browser based on Firefox ATM . Seems there all based on the nighties of Firefox x64.

[212eta]

64-bit Firefox for Windows on its way (by ghacks)