By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close
Pemalite on 20 May 2023
Edit Thread
Captain_Yuri said:

Intel proposes x86S, a 64-bit only architecture

https://videocardz.com/newz/intel-proposes-x86s-a-64-bit-only-architecture

The biggest question for moving to a 64bit only arch for PC is what will happen to old applications? Can we still run old games via translation layer or will it simply break all compatibility?

The biggest advantage of x86 is I can pick up a program from the 1980's and run it without much issue.
Provided I am not trying to execute 16-bit code in a 64-bit OS environment... Then Windows chucks a hissy fit as it lacks a 16-bit subsystem.

But the 32bit windows OS does have a 16-bit subsystem and it would work fine with a x86-64 CPU.

I would assume there would be a level of emulation or translation or even abstraction to make it work if AMD and Intel went 64bit only... We aren't in the Win9x days anymore, software has gotten crazy good at retaining compatibility. I.E. X86 running ARM compiled apps thanks to binary translation.

I think the industry is at a point where it can start to shed those legacy design rules, fabrication isn't rapidly improving like it used to, so any area they can claw back would be a boon to performance going forwards... Windows 11 doesn't have a 32bit variant, so outside of industry, there is no longer a need for 32bit compatibility at a hardware level, leave it at the software level.

For lower-end Netbooks/tablets it could be power and cost savings.

I am all for it, provided backwards compatibility can be retained... I would be very upset if I can't run my favorite games from the 90's.

episteme said:

Damn a $399 8G 4060 Ti marketed for 1080p with reduced settings in the official benchmarks doesn't sound exciting at all.
There shouldn't be new 8GB cards anymore, especially not if you market their DLSS3 and RT capabilities which both consume more VRAM. 12GB for 1080p, 16GB for 1440p and 24GB for 4K imo.

At least the used market has somewhat recovered. Like 3060s 12GB dropping well below 250€ for example.

There may still be some issues with production costs because AMD doesn't counter nVidia's overpriced mid-range yet. Or everyone just got used to the margins that were possible when large-scale GPU mining was still a thing.

The memory bus is likely the reason why you won't see anything between 8GB and 16GB with the 4060.

The 3060 had a 192-bit bus so it had an oddball memory capacity. - Basically you get a chunk of memory for every 32bit portion of the bus.
I.E. 2GB of Ram for every 32-bit of memory bus. 192bit = 12GB.

So when the 4060 runs with a 128bit bus, it was naturally going to have less memory as they are still partnering up with 2GB for every 32bit or 8GB/128bit total.

So when it came to throwing more memory onto the card they had two options... Double the amount of memory chip capacity (I.E. 4GB) for every 32bit for 16GB total...
Or have two memory chips for every chunk of memory bus. - It does mean that the memory chips aren't being access at their maximum potential transfer rates as the transfer is spread across 2 chips now... And you do require more power and PCB tracers which drives up costs.

This is just an example, but it's why you won't get say 12GB or 14GB on the 4060 with a 128bit bus... And when they have deviated from this general design rule, it had massive implications to performance.

1080P Medium/High doesn't really sell the 4060 though, agree with you there... But there is also a place for 8GB cards, those who just want to play eSports would likely be fine with that amount of memory capacity, but the price needs to reflect that.

Last edited by Pemalite - on 20 May 2023

--::{PC Gaming Master Race}::--