On 06/15/2010 04:34 AM, Stan Hoeppner wrote: [snip]
Disclaimer: my comments below intentionally exclude x86-64 capable CPUs There are different kernels for different models of the Intel x86 processor family and compatibles, but make no mistake, they all use the same instruction set introduced in the 80386. There is no i686 instruction set, nor an i586 or i486 instruction set.
This is just *wrong*. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X86_instruction_listings#Added_with_80486 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X86_instruction_listings#Added_with_Pentium_ProYou may think that's not a lot, but it is to a compiler writer, and it demonstrates that Stan's wrong.
As a matter of fact, the latter of these aren't even
models of Intel CPUs.
You're right, just as I'm not "The Johnsons". That's a *family* designation.
What kernel programmers call i586 and i686 are actually
classes or sets of features of Intel and compatible competitor CPUs from
Cyrix, IBM, TI, and AMD. The original Intel 60/66 MHz Pentium model number is
actually 80501. All Pentiums up to the MMX models were numbered 80502. The
i686 kernel label describes the Pentium Pro, whose model number is 80521, and
all other later 32 bit x86 CPUs to follow it.
Manufacturing codes? So what? [big snip of partly correct, partly nonsense] -- "There is usually only a limited amount of damage that can be done by dull or stupid people. For creating a truly monumental disaster, you need people with high IQs." Thomas Sowell