AMD chose a different direction, designing the less radical x86-64, a 64-bit extension to the existing x86 architecture, which Microsoft then supported, forcing Intel to introduce the same extensions in its own x86-based processors. These designs can run existing 32-bit applications at native hardware speed, while offering support for 64-bit memory addressing and other enhancements to new applications. This architecture has now become the predominant 64-bit architecture in the desktop and portable market. Although some Itanium-based workstations were initially introduced by companies such as SGI, they are no longer available.
AMD chose a different direction designing the less radical x86-64 a 64-bit extension to the existing x86 architecture which Microsoft then supported forcing Intel to introduce the same extensions in its own x86-based processors These designs can run existing 32-bit applications at native hardware speed while offering support for 64-bit memory addressing and other enhancements to new applications This architecture has now become the predominant 64-bit architecture in the desktop and portable market Although some Itanium-based workstations were initially introduced by companies such as SGI they are no longer available