Intel and AMD join forces to strengthen x86 architecture in the face of the rise of ARM and open-source alternatives.

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger speaks about the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group

Faced with the rise of processor alternatives such as ARM and RISC-V, Intel and AMD have announced the formation of the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group. This initiative aims to strengthen the x86 architecture, a technology that has dominated the PC and server market for decades, but which today faces increasing challenges in a rapidly changing technological landscape. This collaboration between these two giants marks a historic turning point for the industry, as ARM architecture spreads rapidly, and open-source options such as RISC-V attract increasing attention.

The reasons for the alliance

Intel and AMD have long been in direct competition, particularly in the field of x86 processors. However, recent developments in ARM processors, used in Apple's Macs, and the RISC-V open-source architecture represent new and significant threats to x86 dominance. ARM, with its more energy-efficient processors, has already conquered markets such as smartphones, and is beginning to make inroads into laptops and servers. Similarly, RISC-V, a royalty-free architecture, is being increasingly adopted by companies seeking to avoid the high licensing costs and restrictions imposed by ARM and x86.

The rise of RISC-V

Although ARM is often cited as the main threat to x86, RISC-V is also an emerging architecture that is gaining in popularity. This open-source architecture enables companies to design custom processors without licensing fees, making it an attractive alternative, particularly for embedded and industrial applications. Several major technology companies, such as Google and Western Digital, have already begun experimenting with RISC-V for some of their solutions, and its adoption could accelerate in the coming years.

The x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group includes not only Intel and AMD, but also players such as Google, Microsoft, HP, and Lenovo, demonstrating that this initiative aims to federate the entire x86 ecosystem to counter these emerging threats. This collaboration seeks to standardize and simplify x86 interfaces and architectures, to ensure maximum compatibility and enable faster integration of new technological features such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

A long history of technical collaboration

Although Intel and AMD have been fierce competitors, it is important to note that this alliance does not represent a first in terms of collaboration. Over the decades, the two companies have worked together on the development of key technologies such as PCI, USB and, more recently, PCIe, innovations that have become industry standards. However, this new alliance takes on a broader scope by responding directly to the challenges posed by ARM and RISC-V, which are gaining ground thanks to their more efficient and open architectures.

The future of x86 architecture

In a market where ARM and Qualcomm solutions are beginning to take hold in notebooks and servers, Intel and AMD can no longer afford to compete with each other alone. Both companies also have to contend with the rise of ARM and RISC-V architectures, which could redefine the way processors are designed and used. For example, Apple made the choice in 2020 to replace x86 processors with ARM-based processors in its Mac computers, a move that sent shockwaves through the industry.

In response to this threat, the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group aims to ensure that the x86 architecture continues to evolve to meet the needs of developers and users, incorporating innovations such as performance optimization and greater energy efficiency, while maintaining upward compatibility with existing software and hardware.

Conclusion