The VideoLAN Forums

Hello I've had nothing but problems with the last few x64 versions of VLC and I find the X86 seems to work flawlessly for what I use it for.
Yes I've read till my eyes bleed and I'm just going to wait for some new version but until then I'm using the x86 version.
I wonder if anyone can tell me definitively how x64 version performs better then the x86 version?

x64 refers to either a 64-bit processor or the 64-bit version of Windows which is called surprise, surprise Windows x64.
x86 refers to an x86 processor, the architecture if you will. There are only two (consumer) types of architecture, PowerPC, used by Apple and x86 used by Intel and AMD. Most new x86 processors are 64-bit but they are not usually called x64 processors though you will see some programs denoted as x64 versions which means it will only run on a 64-bit processor.64-bit device drivers may not be available for one or more devices in the computer.

It's a question I've been asking myself too, but I came to the conclusion that if a movie plays correctly, there's little more you can expect in terms of performance. I did a quick comparison between x86 and x64 and noticed there is little to no difference in CPU usage, which should mean that they perform more or less the same in terms of energy usage. VLC x64 uses a little more ram, but not a difference to worry about. In the end I picked the x64 version because it makes me feel better.

Thanks for your answer The post above yours was well meaning I'm sure, but it really had nothing to do with my question, but you hit it on the head with your evaluation. I've been working with computers since the very early 70's and have a fairly good grasp of the differences in architecture of the various systems.
I was looking for REAL WORLD comparisons such as yours, Thanks again. Since for some reason right now the x86 version seems to run more stable here I'll keep running that.

Yes, most people simply think everything that's new has to be better. And with the 64-bit versions is similar. One thinks that needs to be better, they have to be faster. Usually the contrary is the case.