WTF x64 and x86 are confusing!
WTF x64 and x86 are confusing!
x86 refers to a set of CPU instructions that dominate contemporary processors. It includes three variants: x86-16 (16-bit), x86-32 (32-bit) and x86-64 (64-bit). The 32-bit form became widely adopted, leading people to associate "x86" with the older version. The newer 64-bit iteration is more commonly called "x64," which can be confusing for those unfamiliar with hardware details, as it seems like a regression. Consequently, Windows operating systems are labeled "x86," while the 64-bit version is simply referred to as "x64."
I think it traces back to Intel's x86 series, including the original 8086 processor.
Actually, x64 refers to a processor that can only run 64-bit programs. The proper term is AMD64, which is an extension developed by AMD for the x86 architecture. In reality, it means: > x86 for 32-bit CPU > AMD64 or AMD64 for the 64-bit CPU we use in our desktops and laptops > x86-64 is a version promoted by Intel, trying to avoid mentioning "AMD" name. However, you can find many folders or files with "AMD64" in Windows system files, even if you have an Intel CPU, because that’s the accurate designation. We usually just call it a "64-bit CPU."
IA-64 is an Intel 64-bit standard that didn’t gain much traction, which is why AMD adopted amd64 instead. There’s limited software available, and very few hardware platforms support it, making it largely obsolete. (Note: This information might be incorrect.)