Overview
x86 is the most successful and widely used CPU architecture in history. Originally developed by Intel, it has evolved over decades to include 32-bit (IA-32) and 64-bit (x86-64) versions.
Key Characteristics
- CISC Design: Uses a Complex Instruction Set Computing model.
- Backward Compatibility: Modern x86 chips can still run software written decades ago.
- Ecosystem: Supported by almost all desktop operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Major Manufacturers
- Intel
- AMD