F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Intel is not required to license X86.

Intel is not required to license X86.

Intel is not required to license X86.

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chapi89
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12-26-2023, 12:22 PM
#1
I just watched the "A Chinese Intel Competior?" video where Linus discussed Intel licensing X86. After that, many desktop OSes use X86, so I wondered if Intel had to license it due to antitrust rules. Why might they have done it?
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chapi89
12-26-2023, 12:22 PM #1

I just watched the "A Chinese Intel Competior?" video where Linus discussed Intel licensing X86. After that, many desktop OSes use X86, so I wondered if Intel had to license it due to antitrust rules. Why might they have done it?

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Postinq
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12-28-2023, 06:27 AM
#2
It's complex but AMD supports x64, which means licensing issues and additional factors are involved.
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Postinq
12-28-2023, 06:27 AM #2

It's complex but AMD supports x64, which means licensing issues and additional factors are involved.

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Cielian
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12-29-2023, 06:13 PM
#3
Intel gave AMD a near license for the X86 architecture, though the details extend further than what's here.
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Cielian
12-29-2023, 06:13 PM #3

Intel gave AMD a near license for the X86 architecture, though the details extend further than what's here.

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amazedplain
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12-29-2023, 06:30 PM
#4
x86 spans multiple layers of security, with older components lacking full coverage. Building a complete 8086 isn't on track due to market constraints. Each new feature resets the timeline for its addition. Crafting modern x86 CPUs is challenging. There are also non-x86 processors available. It's unclear how much you could achieve by merging outdated x86 elements with separate non-x86 components for newer protections.
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amazedplain
12-29-2023, 06:30 PM #4

x86 spans multiple layers of security, with older components lacking full coverage. Building a complete 8086 isn't on track due to market constraints. Each new feature resets the timeline for its addition. Crafting modern x86 CPUs is challenging. There are also non-x86 processors available. It's unclear how much you could achieve by merging outdated x86 elements with separate non-x86 components for newer protections.

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EggsyDiamond
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12-30-2023, 10:52 AM
#5
It's possible to build a processor capable of real-time translation, transforming x86 commands into its own internal format... refer to the Transmeta Crusoe example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transmeta_Crusoe Intel holds patents for x86 designs, AMD focuses on x64 innovations and holds patents on 64-bit extensions, with licensing agreements involving Intel. Via has cross-licensed rights to use x86, and their chips are often soldered as BGA units, especially in recent models. Cyrix gained access through an IBM deal and was later acquired by a national semiconductor that distributed parts to AMD, including the Geode processors. Zhaoxin, developed by VIA with government backing, utilizes cores from Via processors and graphics from S3 Graphics acquired via Via. See for more details.
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EggsyDiamond
12-30-2023, 10:52 AM #5

It's possible to build a processor capable of real-time translation, transforming x86 commands into its own internal format... refer to the Transmeta Crusoe example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transmeta_Crusoe Intel holds patents for x86 designs, AMD focuses on x64 innovations and holds patents on 64-bit extensions, with licensing agreements involving Intel. Via has cross-licensed rights to use x86, and their chips are often soldered as BGA units, especially in recent models. Cyrix gained access through an IBM deal and was later acquired by a national semiconductor that distributed parts to AMD, including the Geode processors. Zhaoxin, developed by VIA with government backing, utilizes cores from Via processors and graphics from S3 Graphics acquired via Via. See for more details.

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