RE: 32 bit processors / 64 bit processors

Hi,

> 1. The size of the processor's internal address bus (virtual address
> space) is what qualifies it as a 32-bit / 64-bit processor.

Well, in that sense, isn't Pentium a "36-bit" processor (since it gives
the option of PAE to use 64 GB of memory - it must be having atleast 36
address lines)? 

On this topic and in this thread, we have had following responses to the
question on what is called a 32-bit or 64-bit processor:

1) Addressable Physical memory (=sizeof(void*))
2) Register Size (=instruction size) 

Are the above two independent of each other? If yes, then how do we
deine a processor as 32-bit / 64-bit?

Thanks,

Rajat

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