Intel is opposed to a new architecture called x86S, which is an evolution of the classic x86, but without 16-bit and 32-bit support. This means that this new architecture will only support 64 bits.
Intel proposes x86S, a 64-bit only architecture
Intel wanted to promote a new computer architecture developed from the x86, the x86S, which would support only 64-bit systems, among other advantages, ensuring that it would make development of future systems much easier, as well will make them sharper.
One of the main advantages of the architecture would be a faster CPU boot by removing the unpaged legacy mode during the boot process. They say that the transition to the x64 architecture only “eliminates several steps of springboard code to get into 64-bit operation”.
As you know, Microsoft has already removed 32-bits with Windows 11 operating system and many users have long switched from 32-bit system due to its limitations, such as the amount of manageable RAM, Which cannot exceed 4 GB. , Intel wants to take advantage of this to release a new architecture that will completely eliminate it.
Below, Intel details some of the advantages of the x86S.
- The use of a simplified 64-bit segmentation model for 32-bit application segmentation support, which is already used by modern operating systems.
- Removal of rings 1 and 2 (which are not used by modern software) and deprecated division features such as gates.
- Elimination of 16-bit addressing.
- Removed support for Ring 3 I/O port access.
- Removed chain port I/O, which supported the obsolete CPU-driven I/O model.
- Limit the use of the Local Interrupt Handler (APIC) to X2APIC and remove support for the legacy 8259.
- Remove some unused operating system mode bits.
We recommend our guides on Windows 11 and everything you need to know about the OS
Intel clarifies that support for legacy operating systems will not be completely removed and that virtualization technologies will still be there to make this possible. You can check more details on Intel’s official page.
