Terabytes random-access Memory

Computer Systems A Programmer ' s perspective Second Edition

As we'll discuss, the extension of IA32 to + bits, termed x86-64, was origi-

Nally developed by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Intel ' s biggest competitor. Whereas a 32-bit machine can only do use of around 4 gigabytes (232 bytes) of random-access memory, current 64-bit machi NES can use up to terabytes (248 bytes). The computer industry is currently in the midst of a transition from 32-bit to 64-bit machines. Most of the microprocessors in recent server and Desktopmachines, as well as on many laptops, support either 32-bit or 64- Bit operation. However, most of the operating systems running in these machines support only32-bit applications, and so the capabilities Of the hardware is not fully utilized. As memory prices drop, and the desire to perform computations involving Verylarge data sets increases, 64-bit machines and Applications'll become common-place. It's therefore appropriate to take a close look at x86-64. We'll see this inmaking the transition from, the engineers at AMD also incorporatedfeatures Machines Better TargETS for optimizing compilers and Thatimprove system performance.

Terabytes random-access Memory