What is the biggest advantage of 64-bit processors over 32-bit processors?

The biggest advantage of 64-bit processors over 32-bit processors is their ability to use over 4 GB of memory. A 32-bit processor is limited to addressing a maximum of 4 GB of RAM due to the way that memory addressing works in a 32-bit architecture. This limitation can hinder performance in applications, particularly those that require large amounts of memory, such as video editing, gaming, and server-side applications.

On the other hand, a 64-bit processor can theoretically address up to 16 exabytes of memory, far exceeding the needs of current hardware and allowing for much greater flexibility and efficiency when handling large datasets. This capability allows modern operating systems and applications to take full advantage of the available memory, enabling smoother multitasking and improved overall performance in memory-intensive tasks.

While increased processing speed, more cache memory, and compatibility with older software may have their own advantages, the significant boost in addressable memory is what fundamentally distinguishes 64-bit processing from 32-bit processing, especially in today's computing environment where applications often demand and utilize more memory.