x86-64 [Dido Solutions, Inc Wiki]

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====== x86-64 ======

[[dido:99_annexes:annex-b-terms-and-definitions:start|Go up to Terms and Definitions]]

===== Discussion =====

x86-64 identifies the 64-bit extension of the x86 instruction set architecture. AMD introduced the architecture as AMD64. Other common labels include x86_64 and amd64.

Operating systems, package managers, build tools, virtualization platforms, and infrastructure providers use different labels for this architecture. A controlled architecture model should normalize these labels while preserving the source-specific label required by each implementation.

Image format does not determine processor architecture. Converting a Machine Image among raw, QCOW2, VMDK, VHD, or another representation does not convert the executable content from one processor architecture to another.

===== Definition =====

*A 64-bit instruction set architecture that extends the x86 architecture with 64-bit general-purpose registers, 64-bit addressing, and execution of compatible 64-bit and legacy x86 software.*

===== Source =====

  * AMD, //AMD64 Architecture Programmer’s Manual//, Volumes 1–5
  * [[dido:99_annexes:annex-c-references:start|References]]

===== Note =====

The terms **AMD64**, **x86-64**, **x86_64**, and **amd64** commonly identify the same processor architecture. Individual operating systems, tools, and providers select different labels.

The term does not identify a processor manufacturer, Machine Image format, operating system, virtualization technology, or specific processor implementation.

===== Example =====

A Crucible Image Record identifies `x86-64` as the normalized processor architecture while retaining `amd64` as the architecture label used by an Ubuntu package repository.

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