Intel's X86-S: Removing Technical Debt and Introducing FRED

Intel's X86-S: Removing Technical Debt and Introducing FRED

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the 64-bit Only Document
3. Impact on Users
4. Changes in Booting Process
5. Target Audience and Design Simplification
6. Concerns and Resistance to Change
7. Technical Debt of x86
8. Introduction of Fred
9. Security Implications
10. Performance Enhancements and Memory Accessing
11. Timeline for Implementation

📝 Understanding Intel's 64-bit Only Document

In recent news, Intel has released a document that has caused quite a stir in the tech world. The document in question is being described as a "64-bit only" document, but is that really the case? In this article, we will delve into the details and understand the true implications of Intel's latest move.

🖥️ Impact on Users

For the average computer user, there seems to be no apparent change with the introduction of Intel's 64-bit only document. The existing 32-bit programs will continue to function as usual. However, the significant change lies in the low-level booting process of the computer. This change directly impacts the security measures in place.

💽 Changes in Booting Process

Previously, the booting process involved transitioning from 16-bit to 32-bit protected mode and then into 64-bit long mode. With the new document, Intel aims to simplify this process by directly booting into long mode, skipping the intermediate steps. While this change may seem insignificant to users, it has a significant impact on verification engineers responsible for ensuring the CPU's functionality.

🎯 Target Audience and Design Simplification

The primary beneficiaries of this document are the verification engineers and individuals involved in CPU testing. The document offers a Simplified design by eliminating outdated components like the 16-bit addressing and protected modes. This change aims to address the technical debt associated with the x86 architecture.

⚠️ Concerns and Resistance to Change

As with any significant technological change, there are individuals who resist and express concerns. Particularly, Homebrew OS bootloader developers face the challenge of adapting to the new architecture. These developers will be required to redesign their approaches, which can be seen as an additional burden. However, this change has been in the pipeline for a while and is essential for the evolution and improvement of x86.

🗝️ Technical Debt of x86

When people discuss technical debt in the context of x86, they are often referring to the outdated aspects of the architecture, such as the protected versus real mode and the 8086 mode. These lingering features have been a part of x86's history and have deterred progress. The 64-bit only document aims to eliminate these relics, allowing for a more streamlined system.

🆕 Introduction of Fred

As part of Intel's document, a new component called Fred is introduced. Fred stands for a replacement for the current interrupt structure in x86. This new structure removes the old I/O rings, specifically I/O Rings 1 and 2, and eliminates 32-bit Ring 0 and 16-bit addressing altogether. While these components were not extensively used by users, they posed security risks by allowing potential escalation from Ring 0 to Ring 3.

🔒 Security Implications

The change in the interrupt structure and the removal of certain components serve as security precautions. By eliminating unnecessary rings and addressing modes, the risk of malicious drivers escalating privileges is significantly reduced. This change contributes to creating a more secure computing environment for users.

💪 Performance Enhancements and Memory Accessing

Although the primary focus of the 64-bit only document is not performance improvement, it opens up possibilities for enhanced memory accessing. Intel may explore the inclusion of larger page sizes, such as the 16k page size adopted by Apple. Additionally, the document supports the implementation of five-layer pages without the need for separate instructions. These architectural-level changes aim to improve memory addressing for optimized performance.

⏳ Timeline for Implementation

With Fred already being introduced two to three years prior, both AMD and Intel have had sufficient time to prepare for the transition. While there may be concurrent usage of old and new systems for some time, it is expected that CPUs with Fred enabled will gradually become the norm. As for the specific timeline, it remains uncertain, but Intel's desire to cut costs and address technical debt Hints at a relatively imminent rollout.

✨ Highlights

• Intel's 64-bit only document brings significant changes to the x86 architecture.
• 32-bit programs will continue to work, but the booting process undergoes simplification.
• Verification engineers benefit from design simplification and improved validation.
• The removal of outdated components reduces technical debt in x86.
• Fred, the replacement interrupt structure, enhances security measures.
• Security risks related to privileged escalation are mitigated.
• Possibilities for performance enhancements and optimized memory accessing arise.
• The timeline for implementation suggests a relatively near future.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will my 32-bit programs still work after the implementation of Intel's 64-bit only document? A: Yes, the document primarily affects the low-level booting process and does not render 32-bit programs incompatible.

Q: Who will benefit the most from the changes outlined in Intel's document? A: Verification engineers and individuals involved in CPU testing will see the greatest advantages, thanks to design simplification and improved validation.

Q: Why is this change necessary for x86 architecture? A: The x86 architecture carries technical debt associated with outdated components. This change aims to eliminate relics and pave the way for progress and improvement.

Q: Will the implementation of Fred impact system performance? A: While the 64-bit only document primarily focuses on design simplification and security, it opens the door for potential performance enhancements related to memory accessing and page sizes.

Q: When can we expect the implementation of Intel's 64-bit only document? A: While the exact timeline remains uncertain, the availability of Fred and Intel's drive to address technical debt suggest that the transition may happen sooner rather than later.

Resources:

• Chips and Cheese
• Semianalysis