Madrid. – What just a few years ago would have sounded like science fiction has become reality: Intel and AMD, historic rivals in the processor industry, have decided to work together. Both companies have announced a joint plan to shape the future of x86 architecture, focusing on the rollout of the FRED (Flexible Return and Event Delivery) model and the adoption of AVX10 and APX extensions, which are key to enhancing performance and compatibility in the next generation of chips.
This move, officially revealed by Roberto Hormuth, AMD’s Corporate Vice President of Architecture and Strategy for the Data Center Solutions Group, marks the consolidation of an alliance that was initiated in October 2024 with the creation of the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group (EAG). The goal: ensure that the x86 platform doesn’t fall behind the unstoppable march of Qualcomm, Arm, and other emerging players in an increasingly mobile and energy-efficient market.
From rivalry to cooperation: an unexpected alliance
For decades, the tech narrative portrayed Intel and AMD as two irreconcilable poles: the dominant company versus the nimble challenger. But the market reality has shifted. Intel is experiencing one of its worst crises, with over 43,000 layoffs in recent years, while AMD has grown thanks to its EPYC and Ryzen processor ecosystems, though it still faces intense competitive pressure.
Meanwhile, giants like Qualcomm and Arm have gained market share through efficient designs, and players such as NVIDIA and Mediatek are betting on general-purpose computing. In this environment, the survival of the x86 ecosystem requires collaboration, even among fierce competitors.
FRED, AVX10, and APX: the technical plan to revitalize x86
The first tangible result of this understanding is FRED, a new interrupt management model that promises to reduce latency and improve system software reliability. This innovation is particularly important for data centers and critical applications, where minimal delays can significantly impact performance and costs.
Joining this advancement are the AVX10 and APX extensions, which aim to boost vector and general-purpose workloads without sacrificing compatibility across different processor ranges. In other words: write once, run anywhere, whether on a laptop, workstation, or server.
This unified approach prevents software fragmentation and makes it easier for developers and cloud service providers to optimize workloads without worrying about implementation differences between AMD and Intel.
A global ecosystem with regional ambitions
The EAG isn’t limited to coordinating efforts in the US or Europe. In the upcoming months, regional chapters will open in Asia and Latin America, aiming to gather local market needs. From advanced energy management to the development of domain-specific accelerators, the plan seeks a structured evolution of x86 that allows it to stay relevant in a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence and heterogeneous computing.
Major cloud providers, for example, have emphasized the importance of tools like memory tagging, previously used in debugging environments, now deemed essential for protecting workloads in production.
A direct message to Arm and Qualcomm
The joint move by Intel and AMD is not just technical; it’s also a political message for the industry. At a time when major server and device manufacturers are seriously considering migrating to Arm architectures, these two x86 giants send a signal of unity and resilience.
The promise of full compatibility, combined with efforts to standardize from silicon to software, aims to persuade strategic clients like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google that betting on x86 remains a safe and profitable choice.
The future of x86: between necessity and opportunity
The alliance between Intel and AMD comes at a time when x86 ISA has been around for over 40 years and faces the threat of losing relevance to newer, more efficient architectures. However, far from resigning, both manufacturers seem willing to redefine their rivalry into pragmatic cooperation, at least to keep the standard that underpins much of global computing alive.
“x86 is more alive than ever, and now it shares a common path with two giants hand in hand,” Hormuth declared. What’s emerging is a more competitive future than ever between Arm and x86, with users and developers as privileged spectators of a battle that will shape the industry’s direction before the decade ends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is FRED and why is it important?
FRED (Flexible Return and Event Delivery) is a new interrupt management model that reduces latency and improves system software reliability, especially crucial in mission-critical environments.
2. What do the AVX10 and APX extensions bring?
They are new instructions that enhance performance in vector and general-purpose workloads, maintaining compatibility across desktop, workstation, and server processors.
3. Why are Intel and AMD collaborating now?
Both companies aim to strengthen the x86 ecosystem against the growing threat of Arm, Qualcomm, and other players gaining ground in key markets.
4. Does this mean they will stop competing?
No. Intel and AMD will still compete in the CPU market, but they will cooperate on developing the x86 architecture to ensure its long-term survival and relevance.