AMD listens where Intel is deaf. (Score 5)

The idea of the CPU having two 'personalities', and distinguishing by a bit in the code segment descriptor was suggested in the days of the PPro, by one of Intels own engineers. I don't recall their name, but I do recall they were listed as one of the original developers of the 8051.

He claimed the 'x86'ness of the PPro took 7% of the die space. For an additional 5%, they could have added a second 'personality', and begun the migration to a 'cleaner' ISA some years ago.

Oh well...

Three cheers for AMD! (o8