Wednesday, September 25th 2024
Intel Updates 64-Bit Only "X86S" Instruction Set Architecture Specification to Version 1.2
Intel has released version 1.2 of its X86S architecture specification. The X86S project, first announced last year, aims to modernize the x86 architecture that has been the heart of PCs since the late 1970s. Over the decades, Intel and AMD have continually expanded x86's capabilities, resulting in a complex instruction set that Intel now sees as partially outdated. The latest specification primarily focuses on removing legacy features, particularly 16-bit and 32-bit support. This radical departure from x86's long-standing commitment to backward compatibility aligns with the simplification of x86. While the specification does mention a "32-bit compatibility mode," we are yet to how would 32-bit apps run. This ambiguity raises questions about how X86S might handle existing 32-bit applications, which, despite declining relevance, still play a role in many computing environments.
The potential transition to X86S comes at a time when the industry is already moving away from 32-bit support. However, the proposed changes are subject to controversy. The x86 architecture's strength has long been its extensive legacy support, allowing older software to run on modern hardware. A move to X86S could disrupt this ecosystem, particularly for users relying on older applications. Furthermore, introducing X86S raises questions about the future relationship between Intel and AMD, the two primary x86 CPU designers. While Intel leads the initiative, AMD's role in the potential transition remains uncertain, given its significant contributions to the current x86-64 standard.
Sources:
InstLatX64, via Tom's Hardware
The potential transition to X86S comes at a time when the industry is already moving away from 32-bit support. However, the proposed changes are subject to controversy. The x86 architecture's strength has long been its extensive legacy support, allowing older software to run on modern hardware. A move to X86S could disrupt this ecosystem, particularly for users relying on older applications. Furthermore, introducing X86S raises questions about the future relationship between Intel and AMD, the two primary x86 CPU designers. While Intel leads the initiative, AMD's role in the potential transition remains uncertain, given its significant contributions to the current x86-64 standard.
32 Comments on Intel Updates 64-Bit Only "X86S" Instruction Set Architecture Specification to Version 1.2
In the other hand "OMG how will I run my 20+ year old DOS games that need 16bit support and COBOL programs?!?!?. They both need the latest HOTNESS"
If AMD came up with this I think there would be less complaints, or maybe just complaints by different people.
No.
16-bit software support is disabled on 64-bit WIndows completely.Here is a link to look at for more details:
learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compatibility/ntvdm-and-16-bit-app-support
Not even 64-bit XP and Server 2003 had the ability to run 16-bit programs:
support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/54322ff9-0d07-0032-e02c-8f67e34e5cb7
But, just as a proof of concept, some hacker put the right pieces together in the right order and it worked. Here's the NTVDMx64 project, with a lengthy explanation.
github.com/leecher1337/ntvdmx64Maybe it's possible as a two-step transition in a VM inside another VM (NTVDM inside WOW64). That's how I understand the operation of the NTVDMx64.