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Did you know that even the very latest multicore 64-bit x64 CPUs still boot up in the original 16-bit 8086 mode from 1978? They also support 32-bit modes and this is all for compatibility reasons. Well, Intel thinks it's time to finally get rid of this legacy baggage and has released a document proposing the changes for a 64-bit only future called x86S.
What I'd really like to see, is a 128-bit CPU, the next evolution. However, there's no market for them at the moment, but it would be fascinating to see one, of any architecture. It would have a huge pinout too and a smaller core count for a given process node due to the bigger size of the core.
Full details here:
General info on 128-bit computing:
What I'd really like to see, is a 128-bit CPU, the next evolution. However, there's no market for them at the moment, but it would be fascinating to see one, of any architecture. It would have a huge pinout too and a smaller core count for a given process node due to the bigger size of the core.
What Would Be the Benefits of a 64-bit Mode-Only Architecture?
A 64-bit mode-only architecture removes some older appendages of the architecture, reducing the overall complexity of the software and hardware architecture. By exploring a 64-bit mode-only architecture, other changes that are aligned with modern software deployment could be made. These changes include:
Using the simplified segmentation model of 64-bit for segmentation support for 32-bit applications, matching what modern operating systems already use.
Removing ring 1 and 2 (which are unused by modern software) and obsolete segmentation features like gates.
Removing 16-bit addressing support.
Eliminating support for ring 3 I/O port accesses.
Eliminating string port I/O, which supported an obsolete CPU-driven I/O model.
Limiting local interrupt controller (APIC) use to X2APIC and remove legacy 8259 support.
Removing some unused operating system mode bits.
Full details here:
Envisioning a Simplified Intel Architecture for the Future
PC computing rests heavily on Intel Architecture processors with an enormous installed base, and cloud computing is synonymous with Intel Architecture.
www.intel.com
General info on 128-bit computing:
128-bit computing - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org