Intel Publishes "X86-S" Specification For 64-bit Only Architecture

[phoronix]

Phoronix: Intel Publishes "X86-S" Specification For 64-bit Only Architecture

Intel quietly released a new whitepaper and specification for their proposal on "X86-S" as a 64-bit only x86 architecture. If their plans workout, in the years ahead we could see a revised 64-bit only x86 architecture...

https://www.phoronix.com/news/Intel-X86-S-64-bit-Only

[scottishduck]

IA64 redemption arc

[cl333r]

How about Intel skips this intermediate step and goes straight to ARM or RISC-V.

[hajj_3]

too late. Risc-V 64bit is going to eat x86 for breakfast.

[EvilHowl]

From Intel's article:

Since its introduction over 20 years ago, the Intel® 64 architecture became the dominant operating mode.

Cool. According to Intel, they invented AMD64. How dare them...

[boxie]

Nitpicking aside, if this helps modern processors become more secure and the space freed up can be used for 64 bitbstuff go faster, I am all for it.

Operating systems (one up and running) could auto provide emulation for these old programs that still need it.

I hope it is a cross vendor and ISV industry initiative

[discordian]

The only thing keeping intel/x86 relevant for decades has been backward compatibility. Intels 32bit arch failed (iapx 432), intels 64bit failed (Itanium), only IBMs decision against their engineers to pick x86 made them something.

[billyswong]

The only thing keeping intel/x86 relevant for decades has been backward compatibility. Intels 32bit arch failed (iapx 432), intels 64bit failed (Itanium), only IBMs decision against their engineers to pick x86 made them something.

Most if not all CPU-intensive software in x86/x64 architecture have migrated to 64-bit. A significant number of commercial software vendors have ceased providing 32-bit binaries for their software programs. Therefore, asking OSes to handle legacy 32-bit binaries through emulation is not that difficult. 64-bit Windows have lost capacity to run 16-bit DOS/Windows binaries natively years ago.

Or if Intel managed to keep "X86-S" capacity to run 32-bit user applications after boot but only killing the 32-bit booting or kernel part, then there may be zero obstacles.

[NathanG]

too late. Risc-V 64bit is going to eat x86 for breakfast.

I distinctly remember hearing from someone that, "RISC architecture is going to change everything!"

[rene]

I told you so ;-) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx8p_rMPKrA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBLy23B38-c