UPX: the Ultimate Packer for eXecutables - Homepage. x86. Intel 8086 Intel Core 2 Duo – an example of an x86-compatible, 64-bit multicore processor AMD Athlon (early version) – a technically different but fully compatible x86 implementation The term x86 denotes a family of backward compatible instruction set architectures[a] based on the Intel 8086 CPU. The 8086 was introduced in 1978 as a fully 16-bit extension of Intel's 8-bit based 8080 microprocessor, with memory segmentation as a solution for addressing more memory than can be covered by a plain 16-bit address. Many additions and extensions have been added to the x86 instruction set over the years, almost consistently with full backward compatibility.
The term is not synonymous with IBM PC compatibility as this implies a multitude of other computer hardware; embedded systems as well as general-purpose computers used x86 chips before the PC-compatible market started,[c] some of them before the IBM PC itself. Overview[edit] Chronology[edit] History[edit] Background[edit] Other manufacturers[edit] x86-64. Opteron, the first CPU to introduce the x86-64 extensions in 2003 x86-64 (also known as x64, x86_64 and AMD64) is the 64-bit version of the x86 instruction set. It supports vastly larger amounts of virtual memory and physical memory than is possible on its predecessors, allowing programs to store larger amounts of data in memory. x86-64 also provides 64-bit general purpose registers and numerous other enhancements. The original specification was created by AMD, and has been implemented by AMD, Intel, VIA, and others.
It is fully backwards compatible with 16-bit and 32-bit x86 code.[1](p13–14) Because the full x86 16-bit and 32-bit instruction sets remain implemented in hardware without any intervening emulation, existing x86 executables run with no compatibility or performance penalties,[2] whereas existing applications that are recoded to take advantage of new features of the processor design may achieve performance improvements. AMD64[edit] AMD64 logo History of AMD64[edit] Cygwin Information and Installation. Alice.org. In Action: Java + Alice. Home.