Will WindowsXP Run on AMD 64bit Processors?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the compatibility of Windows XP with AMD 64-bit processors, exploring the backward compatibility of AMD's architecture with x86 processors and the implications for running 32-bit operating systems.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire whether Windows XP will run on AMD 64-bit processors and if AMD processors are compatible with x86 (Pentium) processors.
  • One participant mentions a special release of Windows XP for 64-bit processors, suggesting it may only run on AMD processors.
  • Several participants discuss the backward compatibility of AMD 64-bit CPUs, noting that AMD64 architecture maintains compatibility with 32-bit and 16-bit software.
  • Another participant highlights the differences between AMD's and Intel's 64-bit architectures, specifically mentioning that Intel's Itanium is not backward compatible with 32-bit operating systems.
  • There is a correction regarding the Itanium's compatibility, with a participant stating that an x86 compatibility layer exists, albeit with limitations.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the competitive advantages of AMD over Intel in the 64-bit arena, suggesting that both processors have distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the backward compatibility of AMD 64-bit processors, but there are competing views regarding the performance and advantages of AMD versus Intel processors, as well as the specifics of the Itanium's compatibility.

Contextual Notes

Some statements about compatibility and performance are contingent on specific definitions and interpretations of backward compatibility, and there are unresolved details regarding the implementation of compatibility layers.

ramollari
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Hey does anyone know if WindowsXP will run on the new AMD 64bit processors? After all, are AMD processors compatible with pentium (i.e. x86 processors)?
 
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Backwards compatibility of AMD 64-bit CPUs

ramollari said:
Hey does anyone know if WindowsXP will run on the new AMD 64bit processors? After all, are AMD processors compatible with pentium (i.e. x86 processors)?
AMD's 64-bit processors are backwards compatible:

  • AMD64 represents a break with AMD's past behavior of following Intel's standards, but follows Intel's earlier behavior of extending the x86 architecture, from the 16-bit 8086 to the 32-bit 80386 and beyond, without ever removing backwards compatibility. The AMD64 architecture extends the 32-bit x86 architecture (IA-32) by adding 64-bit registers, with full 32-bit and 16-bit compatibility modes for earlier software.

This is why AMD managed to outmaneuver Intel in the 64-bit arena. Intel's 64 bit offering, the Itanium, is not backwards compatible with 32-bit operating systems.
 
This is very interesting indeed! I didn't know that AMD64bit processors are backward compatible.
 
hitssquad said:
AMD's 64-bit processors are backwards compatible:

  • AMD64 represents a break with AMD's past behavior of following Intel's standards, but follows Intel's earlier behavior of extending the x86 architecture, from the 16-bit 8086 to the 32-bit 80386 and beyond, without ever removing backwards compatibility. The AMD64 architecture extends the 32-bit x86 architecture (IA-32) by adding 64-bit registers, with full 32-bit and 16-bit compatibility modes for earlier software.

This is why AMD managed to outmaneuver Intel in the 64-bit arena. Intel's 64 bit offering, the Itanium, is not backwards compatible with 32-bit operating systems.

Yes, the Itanium is backwards compatible with 32-bit operating systems. The implementation is messy, but it does exist.

I should rephrase and state that an x86 compatibility layer does exist. This compatibility layer does include support for 32-bit operating systems. The Itanium does have support for most of the instruction sets present on an x86, with the exclusion of SSE2. I'm not sure about the Itanium2.

I also wouldn't say that AMD "outmanuveured" Intel. Each processor has it's distinct advantages and disadvantages.
 
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