X64 facts for kids

x86-64 is a special name for a group of powerful 64-bit processors (the "brains" of a computer). It also refers to the set of instructions these processors understand, called their instruction set architecture. These processors are super cool because they can run both new 64-bit programs and older 32-bit programs (called legacy x86 software).

Big companies like AMD and Intel are the main makers of these processors. Another company, VIA, also made them for a while. Each company has its own name for their 64-bit processors: AMD calls theirs AMD64, Intel calls theirs Intel64, and VIA called theirs VIA x86-64. Even game consoles like the Microsoft Xbox One and Sony PlayStation 4 use special versions of AMD64-based processors to power their games.

You might also hear the term x64. This is just another way to talk about these 64-bit systems. People often use x64 to mean both the processor and the instructions it uses.

What are x86-64 Processors?

These processors are like the engine of your computer. They are designed to handle more information at once than older 32-bit processors. Think of it like a wider highway for data to travel on. This makes your computer faster and better at handling complex tasks, like playing advanced games or editing videos.

Who Makes Them?

The two biggest names in x86-64 processors are AMD and Intel. They have been making these powerful chips for many years.

AMD Processors

AMD has made many popular x86-64 processors. Some well-known ones include:

• AMD Athlon 64
• AMD Phenom
• AMD FX
• AMD APU (which combines a processor and graphics chip)
• AMD Ryzen (a very popular modern series)

Intel Processors

Intel also has a long list of x86-64 processors. Some famous Intel chips are:

• Intel Pentium 4
• Intel Core 2
• Intel Core i3/i5/i7/i9 (these are very common in today's computers)
• Intel Atom (often found in smaller devices)

VIA Processors

VIA Technologies also made some x86-64 processors, like the VIA Nano.

Operating Systems That Use x86-64

Many computer operating systems (the main software that runs your computer) are designed to work with x86-64 processors. Using a 64-bit operating system with a 64-bit processor lets your computer use its full power.

Some common operating systems that support x86-64 include:

• Windows XP Professional x64 (an older version)
• Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 x64 (most modern Windows versions)
• Mac OS X 10.4.7 and newer (for Apple computers)
• Solaris 10 and newer
• Linux 2.4.x and newer (a popular open-source operating system)

Images for kids

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  AMD Opteron, the first CPU to introduce the x86-64 extensions in 2003