Replies to post #27349 on Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[chipguy]

As you correctly pointed out, x86 will continue to shed baggage.

"Continue" to shed baggage? Name one x86 ISA feature that
has been dropped from current processors.

[UpNDown]

sgolds, on K9 dropping legacy modes

I'd be very surprised if K9 has Legacy Mode; many of the x86 historic disadvantages will be cut loose.

There's no reason for K9 to drop the legacy mode, all the logic has been designed for it, so it can just be dropped in. (Given that K9 has already been designed, more like "already has been dropped in").

And really, K9 needs legacy support. 32-bit x86 is not going away any time soon and compatibility will be a big selling point probably for at least 10 years, if not much more. How many of us have x86-32 software that is at least 10 years old? Lots. Supposing you wanted to buy a K9 machine at the end of next year, wouldn't you want any 32-bit software you buy this year to be supported?

[HailMary]

As you correctly pointed out, x86 will continue to shed baggage. I'd be very surprised if K9 has Legacy Mode; many of the x86 historic disadvantages will be cut loose.

Well it hasn't shed any baggage yet, and I think it is going to take a much longer time to do it than K9 timeframe. AMD won't drop legacy modes until there is absolutely no doubt it won't be a problem. That is at least 5 years out, IMO. They don't want to be flagged as being incompatible in any way, even if it is only a small percentage of applications.