Mysterious x86 CPU Already Has APX, x86S Where Intel Left Off For Legacy-Free x86
The mystery deepens around an x86 implementation from a corporate entity other than AMD and Intel and has been making some very intriguing changes for coming from a seeming start-up. Beyond 16 tile and 32 tile AMX implementations that already surpass Intel's current Advanced Matrix Extensions (AMX) capabilities in shipping Xeon CPUs, new disclosures were made today concerning Advanced Performance…
In a groundbreaking development for the x86 architecture, a new implementation has emerged that surpasses Intel's recent FRED and APX specifications while introducing x86S. This innovative approach, which has already proven itself for a year, aims to eliminate the legacy baggage that has weighed down the x86-64 architecture for decades.
The FRED cleanup, introduced by Intel in 2023 and expected to be followed by AMD soon, represents a crucial step forward. Meanwhile, the APX and x86S specifications, unveiled by Intel in 2024, are eagerly anticipated, with Intel and AMD expected to release their products in the near future. Despite Intel's initial retreat in mid-2024, a new player has stepped in to seize the opportunity.
By migrating complexity to software emulation and rejecting cargo cult techniques, this novel approach discards unnecessary duct tape and promotes a cleaner, more efficient x86 architecture. As Michael Larabel, the principal author of Phoronix.com, highlights, this progress marks a significant milestone in the evolution of x86, paving the way for a more streamlined and future-proof computing experience.
Written by urgent.news from Phoronix's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.