Intel announces new white paper (PDF) Envisions the simplification of the processor instruction set architecture (ISA). The main goal of the proposed move is to reduce the broad legacy support and move to 64-bit only using the new and simplified “Intel x86S” architecture.For some technical advantages, Intel’s Developer blog post. In summary, the legacy reduced x86S architecture removes obsolete execution modes and benefits future hardware, firmware, and software implementations.
Many modern PC users who enjoy the latest Windows applications and games would have moved to 64-bit Windows in the Windows 7 era. This coincides with the time when over 4 GB of system RAM became commonplace (32-bit OSes can only accommodate up to 3.2 GB of RAM) and 64-bit applications and games started to become mainstream. So with the current Windows 11 OS being 64-bit only and apps and games consuming gigabytes of RAM, Intel wants to make history with the architectural considerations leading up to the original 8086 chip. is considered a matter of course.
“The Intel 64 architecture design is in the same state as the original 8086 after reset and requires a series of code transitions to enter 64-bit mode,” Intel explains of legacy support. “Once you run these modes, they are no longer used by modern applications and operating systems.”
So it’s easy to see the benefits from architectural pruning, and the complex boot process outlined above will be the first benefit users of the new Intel x86S chips will see. What other benefits are there for users and developers? Intel provides the following bullet point:
- It uses the 64-bit simplified segmentation model to provide segmentation support for 32-bit applications that matches what modern operating systems already use.
- Remove obsolete segmentation features such as rings 1 and 2 (not used in modern software) and gates.
- Removes support for 16-bit addressing.
- Removed support for Ring 3 I/O port access.
- Deprecated string port I/O, which supported the deprecated CPU-driven I/O model.
- Restricts local interrupt controller (APIC) usage to X2APIC and removes legacy 8259 support.
- Remove some unused operating system mode bits.
For those interested in running older OSes and software on modern Intel hardware, Intel has mature virtualization-based software solutions and users can use virtualization hardware (VMX). “We can provide a solution that emulates the functionality required to boot legacy operating systems.” . Avid retro-computing enthusiasts also collect and use old PC systems to run old software libraries. Earlier this week, we noticed that the new Intel 386 and Intel 8088 portables were in development and available for sale online.
Anyone who believes they will be affected by the proposed move to Intel’s 64-bit-only x86S architecture should take a closer look at the linked whitepaper. This whitepaper was apparently published by Intel to gauge user/developer reaction and gather feedback.
