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Why it matters: By aligning their efforts and working with key industry partners, AMD and Intel can create a more robust and flexible x86 ecosystem that can meet the demands of future computing. This collaboration between the two rivals will benefit both software developers and end-users.
Intel and AMD have announced the formation of an x86 ecosystem advisory group that aims to bring together developers and users of this widely used computing architecture to tackle the challenges of modern computing.
The x86 architecture, now 46 years old, has been the backbone of personal computers and data centers for decades. However, with the rise of artificial intelligence workloads, custom chiplets, and advancements in 3D packaging, the need for a unified approach to x86 development has become pressing. At the same time, the competitive landscape is shifting as Arm-based processors gain traction in smartphones, IoT devices, and, increasingly, data centers.
"There are billions of Arm cores going out there in the world, and to some degree, I view all of those as in the target market that's available to x86 going forward," Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger told Forbes.
The advisory group's primary goal is to enhance compatibility, predictability, and consistency across x86 product offerings. By soliciting input from hardware and software communities, the group aims to create a more unified set of instructions and architectural interfaces. This collaboration is expected to simplify software development and provide a platform for identifying new architectural needs and features.
One area of focus will be security models, where Gelsinger admitted that Intel and AMD "haven't done our ecosystem a favor" by pursuing different approaches. The group may also look at simplifying the x86 instruction set architecture (ISA), potentially aligning efforts like AMD's Supervisor Entry Extensions and Intel's Flexible Return and Event Delivery (FRED) code, according to Tom's Hardware.
And while x86 processors have traditionally used a pin grid array (PGA) or land grid array (LGA) socket design, allowing easy CPU upgrades, the advisory group may also address future packaging technologies.
The formation of this advisory group marks a significant shift in the relationship between Intel and AMD, who have long been fierce rivals in the x86 market. While competition will clearly continue, this collaboration acknowledges the need for a more coordinated approach to face challenges from alternative architectures like Arm and RISC-V.
RISC-V, an open-source ISA, has gained momentum in recent years. Unlike x86 and Arm, RISC-V is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and implement without licensing fees. This openness has attracted interest from companies looking to develop custom processors for specific applications, potentially challenging x86's dominance in certain markets.
The x86 advisory group includes not just AMD and Intel, but also major industry players such as Broadcom, Dell Technologies, Google, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Lenovo, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat.
AMD and Intel's collaboration is not entirely new. The companies have previously cooperated on platform-level advancements, including developing standards like PCI, PCIe, and USB. However, this new advisory group represents a more formal and comprehensive approach to shaping the future of x86.