Linux Linux Architectures and their accompanying Processors

Discussion in 'Software' started by OneSeventeen, 2 Dec 2004.

  1. OneSeventeen

    OneSeventeen Oooh Shiny!

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    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?
     
  2. Lynx

    Lynx What's a Dremel?

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    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
     
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