Current CPUs have some features dating back over 40 years.
Intel has released a whitepaper outlining a way to simplify its CPU architectures by removing legacy 16-bit and 32-bit support, therefore making them 64-bit only. Intel believes this change will lead to better optimized processors, meaning better performance and efficiency.
The building blocks of Intel’s processor range can be traced all the way back to the original 16-bit 8086 processor released in 1978. Rather than include support for decades-old software and operating systems, Intel believes virtualization technologies have developed enough to emulate the features required for legacy systems. It’s saying it’s time to move on.
Today’s 64-bit CPUs include processes to « trampoline » their way into 64-bit operation.
