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.
     
    • Interesting Interesting x 4
    • List
    phumb-reh, May 22, 2023
    1
  2. Ads Master

    Ads Master

     
  3. Worn Soles

    Worn Soles Ultrasonic

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2022
    Messages:
    53
    Likes Received:
    31
    Does this mean my 32 bit programs won't work anymore?
     
    Worn Soles, May 23, 2023
    2
  4. George Santos

    George Santos Kapellmeister

    Joined:
    May 16, 2023
    Messages:
    100
    Likes Received:
    45
    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
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Useful Useful x 1
    • List
    George Santos, May 23, 2023
    3
  5. Xupito

    Xupito Audiosexual

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2012
    Messages:
    7,916
    Likes Received:
    4,371
    Location:
    Europe
    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
    4
  6. ArticStorm

    ArticStorm Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2011
    Messages:
    9,051
    Likes Received:
    4,762
    Location:
    AudioSexPro
    your OS has to handle the 32bit layer then i guess.
     
    ArticStorm, May 23, 2023
    5
Loading...
Similar Threads - Intel's plan away Forum Date
Amd Threadripper (Intel's Demise) PC May 18, 2017
Intel's sponsorship: Seriously? Computer Hardware Sep 6, 2014
Sennheiser to be sold: Sonova plans to divest the audio brand - March 23, 2026 Lounge Monday at 11:43 AM
Deezer plans to license its AI-detection tool to other companies Industry News Feb 9, 2026
How can I treat this room? [plan included] Studio Jan 3, 2026
Loading...