Linux Linux Architectures and their accompanying Processors

I have noticed that there are various architecture types sometimes overlapping each other and would like to understand them a little better.

Here's what I know so far:

For Intel and AMD 32 bit processors I would use x86 or 586.
For AMD Athlon 64 and Opteron Processors I would use x86_64 and amd64
For Macintosh PCs I would use PowerPC

Is there a long list somewhere describing which architecture covers which processor?

For example:
I know I can use x86 and 586 on my AthlonXP, and x86 would work on an old AMD K6, but would 586 work on a K6?

 

An Athlon is actually 686.

But onto your actual questions.

Everything is fairly straightforward if you dont use an x86 CPU (the architecure = your CPU (effectivly)). With x86 you have a few different varieties:

386:

Basically an arcitecture that will run on any x86 PC

486:
same as above but not on a 386

586:
is pentiums and above

686:
current generation

Hope this helps