General Introduction

x86 architecture defines a series of computer processor based on Instruction set

architecture (ISA). The letter “x” in x86 is the ISA version. x86 was the first ISA version
for microprocessor (Inc, 2017). x86 is the generic name given to Intel processor after
introduction of 8086 (Fryza, 2012). “x86 server” means the computing systems that is
based on architecture of intel which is largely been used by manufactures because of its
backward compatibility (Incorporated, 2017). Intel x86 processor is based on CISC
architecture. In CISC there will be least number of special purpose register as a
substitute to large no of general purpose registers (microsoft, 2017).

History

x86 was introduced by Intel in 1978 in the form of “8086” microprocessor. Within a year
it introduced another “8088” with 8 bit bus speed based on earlier 8086 processor which
was expensive as it was using 16 bit bus. In 1981, “80286” was introduced which was
much faster than earlier one with a clock speed up to 6MHz. In 1985, “386” was
introduced with 32 bit processor and multi-tasking facility. Then “486” was introduced
with math co-processor and GUI enabled. Then “586” with two internal caches was
introduced . Then Pentium pro, MMX, III, 4, 4E, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7 (Koehn,
2016).The Latest processor of Intel is 6950x with 25MB cache, 10 cores and 20 threads
(corporation, 2017).
Aims and Objectives:

Aims

The aim of this report is to provide basic understanding of x86 architecture, server
based on x86 architecture. It also provides information’s on components of x86
architecture. The report talks on Introduction, history and applications of x86
architecture and the design of x86 architecture.

Objectives:

 Perform research on x86, x86server and its components.

 Understanding the basic architecture and drawing block diagram.
 Accumulate latest information on x86 architecture.
 Presenting the research in a readable manner.
 Drawing block diagram by placing components in right place.
Applications

As a server:

Different many companies are migrating towards x86 server architecture gaining
positive results. In Q1 2015 according to Technology business research x86 servers are
being used in many critical workloads as in CRM, ERP and analytics (Micro, 2017).

As a Scientific machine

X86 architecture has gone under through steps of modifications towards a high
computing capability. It is being used in scientific computing. (Alexander Heinecke,
2012)

As a Network Appliance
X86 architecture are being used in networking appliances. (Ltd., 2017)

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

CPU the main component is known as brain of computer. Server consists of multiple
CPUs to perform heavy tasks. It performs the desired operations (Arithmetic & Logical)
as per the user input. It performs data processing operations by fetching instructions
from memory. Contains three components:
 Storage unit
 This unit stores data information and immediate results and provides the same
information’s to other component when required.
 Control unit
It controls the data transfer as well as the instructions between other
components.
 Arithmetic logic unit
Consist of Arithmetic and logical units which performs addition, subtraction,
division, comparing operations (Aadesh Tandukar, 2017).

I/O Interface
It consists of input and output devices. Data and instructions should be provided to the
CPU for processing which is performed through Input devices. Some of the popular
input devices are keyboard and mouse. Whenever a task is executed the desired result
is displayed through output devices. Some of popular output devices are monitor and
printer (Mallesham Devasane, 2017).

Memory
There are two kinds of computer memory.
Primary memory:
CPU can directly access primary memory so access time is less. It is expensive than
secondary memory.
Registers:
It is the fastest and the most expensive in the memory hierarchy. It is located on the
processor.

RAM:
Random access memory the term random means any memory location can be
accessed in same time irrespective of its placed location.
ROM:
When turning the pc on computer loads BIOS from ROM..Data stored in this chips is
non volatile (Aadesh Tandukar, 2017).

Secondary memory:
Additional memory used by a computer system for storing large amount of data and
processed output.
Hard drives:
It is a secondary storage device used for long term storage. The cost and speed is less
as compared to primary memory (Aadesh Tandukar, 2017). Computer servers are
nowadays using RAID technology to cope with data loss and performance lag. RAID
(Redundant Array of Inexpensive disks) technology uses several SATA or SSD drives
(Samara Lynn, 2014).

Northbridge:
Northbridge is a Intel chipset that interacts with memory and AGP. It uses FSB (front
side bus to communicate). Now it has been replaced by Memory controller hub
(Margaret Rouse, 2005).

Southbridge: Southbridge is a Intel chipset that interacts with I/O devices. Now it has
been replaced by I/O controller hub (Margaret Rouse, 2005).

AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port):

This is an interface for graphic card that needs high bandwidth this allows advanced
graphic related environment to operate easily (Dave Barron, 2001).

Conclusion:
The x86 architecture has been a constant modification since 1987, this has lead it as a
great platform on computer architecture. The main reason for its greater demand in the
industry is backward compatibility. This paper provided the history and its development
in-between. Its application and architecture that x86 is based upon. If it continues to
modify towards high computing capacity it will replace all other processors in industry.