x86/x64 question


  1. SionCross
    Posts : 8
    Windows 7 Enterprise x64
       New #1

    x86/x64 question


    Hey everyone,


    I was just curious... what does the "x" stand for when refering to x64 (64-bit) and x86 (32-bit) architecture?
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  3. LMiller7
    Posts : 2,497
    Windows 7 Pro 64 bit
       New #2

    The "x" is just a part of the specification and doesn't really have any meaning in itself. x86 refers to a long series of processors beginning with the Intel 8086 and continuing with the 80286, 80386, and the current 32 bit processors. Most of the older CPUs are no longer compatible with a modern OS. x64 refers to 64 bit CPUs that are able to run Windows.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  4. MilesAhead
    Posts : 5,092
    Windows 7 32 bit
       New #3

    The 'x' started out as a place holder for third digit in successors of the 8086 chip. 80286, 80386, 80486 etc.. When it got to the Pentium Intel changed up the chip naming to mess with the clone chip makers. Pentium was not 80586 according to them, if I remember how it went. In any case, it became shorthand referring to chips derived from the 8086 chain. This distinguishes it from other processors such as Itamium etc..

    Probably easier to get more info on Wikipedia or even Intel. I'm sure there's a short history someplace on the Intel site.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  6. SionCross
    Posts : 8
    Windows 7 Enterprise x64
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    Thanks guys!
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

 

  Related Discussions
The more I try and learn about backups and safe storage the more questions I have. Here's my latest. I have two identical SATA III 1 Gb hard drives, designated "D Drive" under Win 7 64 bit Pro. They are under an Intel software RAID 1 on a Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 3 motherboard. All appears...
Thermal Paste Question..(Noobish Question)
in PC Custom Builds and Overclocking

Hey guys, I recently purchased Corsair H40 that came with pre applied thermal paste. Before I placed the H40 sink on my processor, I applied a thin layer on the on the processor with Cooler Master thermal paste. So essentially I mixed the H40 pre applied thermal paste with the Cooler Master thermal...
RAM Question
in Hardware & Devices

I will probably be getting this motherboard Gigabyte GA-Z68A-D3H-B3 rev. 1.0 Socket 1155 ATX Motherboard Intel Z68 Express Intel Core i7 i5 i3 LGA1155 Processors, Dual DDR3 2133 SATA III SATA 6.0 Gb/s Gigabit LAN SLI CrossFireX USB3.0 HDMI DVI 7.1 Channels Audio-Best Computer Online Store Hous I...
First (hope you get the reference): In a world where a piano is a weapon, not a musical instrument, on what does Scott Joplin play "The Maple Leaf Rag"?
So my situation is unique lol i have a Dell inspiron n5010 laptop running Windows 7 ultimate 64 bit the soundcard for this is either IDT 92HD79B1, v.6.10.0.6267, A01 or A03 i dont know what the default one mine came with is. Documentation i hope that helps ^ and the attatchment i...
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

 © Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:34.
Find Us