Let's talk 64-bit

Back when AMD was hyping x86-64 and Hammer "later this year" I was constantly hounding Intel for their thoughts on the chip and AMD's strategy. It was the absolute most difficult job to try and get a straight answer from Intel, even from the individuals that had usually given me information on a more straight-forward basis. It got to the point where everytime I met with a new high level Intel employee, the 64-bit question was on my list of things to ask. I've asked Intel PR, I've asked Bill Siu and I've asked Pat Gelsinger.

The Intel PR response is usually not too useful, but both Bill and Pat gave me the same type of response: if and when it makes sense, 64-bit designs will be made available to the desktop.

I don't think anyone at Intel will argue that it will eventually make sense, so the "if" part is easily answered - what is unclear however is the second part of the statement: when.

Had it not been for AMD, then "when" would be at least 2 - 3 years from now. AMD has got the attention of Microsoft and I wouldn't expect MS to release an OS without plans for significant software support. If the x86-64 edition of Windows does take off, Intel will bring 64-bit extensions to the Pentium 4. However what must be understood is that Intel does not want this to happen right now and by demonstrating 64-bit extensions to x86 this early in the game, Intel would be doing nothing less than throwing their support behind AMD's move.

This brings me to the topic at hand; I've read the News.com reports that say Intel will demonstrate 64-bit extensions to the Pentium 4 and Xeon lines at IDF this month, and honestly it doesn't make sense to me. I could be very wrong about this but it just doesn't jive with the rest of Intel's behavior on this topic. I just can't see Intel saying that they don't agree with AMD's decision to move to 64-bit now and then turning around and supporting AMD's moves later this month.

Bottom line: the official Intel quotes that are floating around about 64-bit support on the desktop are nothing new. Where this demonstration of the technology at IDF business originated from is anyone's guess; I don't think it'll happen but I could be wrong.