Intel's plan to do away with obsolete 16/32 bit features in future CPUs

Discussion in 'PC' started by phumb-reh, May 22, 2023.

  1. phumb-reh

    phumb-reh Guest

    Looks like Intel is looking into streamlining their chips, mainly doing away with 16/32 bit features and doing 64 bit only.

    https://www.servethehome.com/intel-x86-s-streamlined-64-bit-instruction-set-a-perspective/

    https://www.pcgamer.com/intel-propo...s-away-with-legacy-16-bit-and-32-bit-support/

    It's been a while but the current boot process goes from 16 bit real mode to 32 protected mode eventually to 64 bit long more... That's a lot of legacy shit right there.

    I like the idea but it's not going to happen tomorrow.
     
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    phumb-reh, May 22, 2023
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  2. Ads Master

    Ads Master

     
  3. Worn Soles

    Worn Soles Ultrasonic

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    Does this mean my 32 bit programs won't work anymore?
     
    Worn Soles, May 23, 2023
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  4. George Santos

    George Santos Kapellmeister

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    I expect 16/32 bit will still work using some emulation/virtualization technology built into the 64 bit chips.

    For example, Windows loads old software in "compatibility mode" which emulates the older windows environments the software code was developed for.
     
    Last edited: May 23, 2023
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    George Santos, May 23, 2023
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  5. Xupito

    Xupito Audiosexual

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    That's it. The benefits would be huge, including performance, but the complexity too.
    It has to be done eventually, is a good thing they're planning for it.
     
    Xupito, May 23, 2023
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  6. ArticStorm

    ArticStorm Moderator Staff Member

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    your OS has to handle the 32bit layer then i guess.
     
    ArticStorm, May 23, 2023
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