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Will we ever need 128-bit?
This requirement is not expected soon, but some guys as those behind the RISC-V ISA already include a 128bit version for future needs. A 128-bit CPU can address exabytes of RAM. The only type of computer that would have/need exabytes of RAM are the world’s most powerful supercomputers.
Will we ever see 128-bit computers?
Doing the math, it means we have 19-bits or 38-years left before we exceed the 64-bit registers in modern processors. This means that by the year 2058, we’ll exceed the current address size and need to move 128-bits. Most people reading this blogpost will be alive to see that, though probably retired.
Do we need more than 64 bits?
For most purposes 32 or 64 bits is still more than enough. For simpler things even 8 or 16 bits are still practical. For example, a very popular processor is the ATTiny which is actually an 8-bits processor.
What is the 128-bit limit?
128-bit processors could be used for addressing directly up to 2128 (over 3.40×1038) bytes, which would greatly exceed the total data stored on Earth as of 2010, which has been estimated to be around 1.2 zettabytes (over 270 bytes). A 128-bit register can store 2128 (over 3.40 × 1038) different values.
Is there anything better than 64-bit?
It is not x2 better than 64-bit. While in the past there was a need to address more memory, the current 64-bit CPUs can handle so much RAM that you can’t even imagine. To be precise, the amount is 2^64 bytes or 18.44 exabytes. 1 exabyte is 1 billion gigabytes!
Why is there no 128-bit?
Hardware. The RISC-V ISA specification from 2016 includes a reservation for a 128-bit version of the architecture, but the details remain undefined intentionally, because there is yet so little practical experience with such large memory systems.
Is a 128-bit graphics card good?
Both 128- and 256-bit graphics cards are suitable for the vast majority of users. They are more than adequate for basic computing, and also for budget gaming and general use of 3D graphics packages like 3ds Max and Maya.