A 64-bit upgrade to Intel's 32-bit x86 (IA-32) architecture. Originally designated as EM64T (Extended Memory 64 Technology), Intel 64 adds a set of 64-bit instructions that are compatible with AMD's 64-bit instructions (see AMD64). Introduced in 2004, Xeons (code named Nocona) were the first CPUs to incorporate Intel 64 along with other enhancements such as the PCI Express bus and DDR2 memory.
With the introduction of Intel 64, Intel offers 64 bits in two CPU families: the 32/64-bit x86 (IA-32) line and the 64-bit Itanium (IA-64) line. See IA-64 and x86.
64-Bit Mode
PCs take full advantage of the Intel 64 architecture when the operating system, all drivers and the applications have been recompiled for 64 bits.
Compatibility Mode
When only the operating system and drivers have been recompiled for 64 bits, but the applications have not, the applications may not experience any increase in performance.
Legacy Mode
PCs with Intel 64 may run existing 32-bit operating systems, drivers and applications; however, there will be no increase in performance.
With the introduction of Intel 64, Intel offers 64 bits in two CPU families: the 32/64-bit x86 (IA-32) line and the 64-bit Itanium (IA-64) line. See IA-64 and x86.
64-Bit Mode
PCs take full advantage of the Intel 64 architecture when the operating system, all drivers and the applications have been recompiled for 64 bits.
Compatibility Mode
When only the operating system and drivers have been recompiled for 64 bits, but the applications have not, the applications may not experience any increase in performance.
Legacy Mode
PCs with Intel 64 may run existing 32-bit operating systems, drivers and applications; however, there will be no increase in performance.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
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