Why Do We Use x86 CPUs?

bluefoxlucid asks: "With Apple having now switched to x86 CPUs, I've been wondering for a while why we use the x86 architecture at all. The Power architecture was known for its better performance per clock; and still other RISC architectures such as the various ARM models provide very high performance per clock as well as reduced power usage, opening some potential for low-power laptops. Compilers can also deal with optimization in RISC architectures more easily, since the instruction set is smaller and the possible scheduling arrangements are thus reduced greatly. With Just-in-Time compilation, legacy x86 programs could be painlessly run on ARM/PPC by translating them dynamically at run time, similar to how CIL and Java work. So really, what do you all think about our choice of primary CPU architecture? Are x86 and x86_64 a good choice; or should we have shot for PPC64 or a 64-bit ARM solution?" The problem right now is that if we were going to try to "vote with our wallets" for computing architecture, the only vote would be x86. How long do you see Intel maintaining its dominance in the home PC market?

easy

[exspecto]

because they don't cost an ARM and a leg and they don't pose as much of a RISC

Re:Easy

[SheeEttin]

Fewer still know what kind of cpu powers their cell phone.

I think mine is silicon-based.

One reason..

[MartinG]

tIs' ebacsue ilttel neidna si ebttre.

Re:easy

[Anonymous Coward]

Best
Post
Evar.

+5 Funny and +5 Insightful.

Re:Good question...

[the_humeister]

Now I have to wait for the boner this gave me to go away before I can get up and walk around the office.

It's called priapism [wikipedia.org]; you might want mosey on over to the emergency room quickly!

Re:Easy

[ajs318]

"For external use only" -- ah, so that's why the Essex girl was standing in the pouring rain applying Savlon to a cut!

literacy, a beautiful thing

[dmorelli]

"Posted by Cliff on 2007-01-04 10:13
from the because-their-cheap dept."

I pledge to use the x86 architecture until Cliff learns the difference between "their" and "they're"

Re:Easy

[Pollardito]

Fewer still know what kind of cpu powers their cell phone.

I think mine is silicon-based.

trust me, it's real and it's fantastic

Re:But you do use the metric system

[illtud]

You have a point, up until you tried to use "stone" as a measurement, because until you did, I didnt even know it existed.

if you are gonna compare units, use the commonly used ones vs the craziest version you can find.

In the UK, stone is the standard unit for weight of people, not pounds. If you asked a UKnian how much they weigh in pounds, most of them couldn't tell you (slightly more could probably tell you in kilos), everybody uses stones. 7 stone is slight, 15 stone is heavy. 20 stone is American.