title: c++ using 16bit pointers on 32/64 bit systems
body: <p>Typically the size of a pointer is equal the "width" of the CPU, so that a pointer can typically access every system address. </p>
  
  <p>Using a 16 bit pointer on a 64 bit system should allow to fit 4 16bit pointers in the same memory area as a single 64bit pointer, however a 16bit pointer only allows to address 2^16 locations.</p>
  
  <p>My idea is not about saving memory, but about potential performance benefits. The idea is basically to allocate memory in chunks of 65635 and use 16 bit pointers to address those "virtual" 16bit address spaces.</p>
  
  <p>Is this possible? Should I try to do it i.e. will it offer a performance benefit?</p>