Intel has released white paper It outlines how to simplify the CPU architecture by removing legacy 16-bit and 32-bit support and going only 64-bit. Intel believes this change will optimize the processor for better performance and efficiency.
Intel’s line of processors can be traced back to the original 16-bit 8086 processor released in 1978. Rather than including decades-old software and operating system support, Intel believes virtualization technology is advanced enough to emulate its capabilities. A must for legacy systems. I say it’s time to move on.
Today’s 64-bit CPUs include processes that “trampoline” 64-bit operations. According to Intel, “The Intel 64 architecture design is in the same state as the original 8086 after reset, requiring a series of code transitions to enter 64-bit modes. Once running, these modes are used by modern applications and Not used by the operating system.”
In layman’s terms, there’s a lot out there that is basically useless and has been neglected for a long time. However, it’s a bit more complicated than switching everything to 64-bit. Windows has moved on from 32-bit, but it wasn’t until the Windows 11 era that it made a full transition. There are many legacy 16-bit and 32-bit systems that are decades old and need to be upgraded, or at least tested to see if they can be emulated.
From a gaming perspective, a 64-bit only CPU makes a lot of sense. We strive for performance and efficiency, but obsolete features that most users don’t use simply add complexity and bloat to the chip. Removing them can have all sorts of benefits. This would allow Intel to have more die space for their latest features, better power efficiency, faster boot times and possibly less risk of security vulnerabilities.
However, x86S CPUs aren’t coming anytime soon. At this stage, this white paper is more of a primer and is clearly aimed at industry insiders and software developers. As an x86-64 developer, let’s not forget AMD. We need to work with Intel not to break the ecosystem.
It may be a long way off, but I’m looking forward to seeing how x86S develops. Wouldn’t it be great if he could consistently deliver double-digit performance jumps without power-hungry frequency jumps? Let’s see how this goes.
