Changing the default 32-bit x86 arch for Fedora 12

[Jon Ciesla]

Bill Nottingham wrote:
> Way back when in February [1], FESCo decided that for Fedora 11, i586 would
> be the default architecture, and for Fedora 12, it would be some variant of
> i686. It's time to follow through on that action item.
>
> I've submitted https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Features/F12X86Support. It
> defines the default arch as i686 + SSE2.
>
> Why?
>
> - Faster and more consistent FP math by using SSE2 registers
> - Allows for autovectorization by GCC where necessary
> - More clearly delineates our support set of targets, sticking true
>   to forwards innovation, not necessarily legacy support
>
> What CPUs do we lose that F11 supports?
>
> - Intel i586 (all)
> - Intel Pentium Pro
> - Intel Pentium II
> - Intel Pentium III
> - 32-bit AMD Athlon
> - AMD Geode
> - VIA C3
> - Transmeta Crusoe 
>
> Does this lose the PAE/non-PAE kernel split?
>
> - Alas, no.
>
> Will a Fedora rebuilt in this manner work on ...
>
> - OLPC 1.0? No.
> - OLPC 1.5? Yes.
> - Atom? Yes.
>
> A seconday arch could be done for these older CPUs, if someone is interested
> enough. 
>
> Comments? Flames? Predictions of doom?
>
> Bill
>
> [1] http://bpepple.fedorapeople.org/fesco/FESCo-2009-02-05.html
>
>   
PLEASE do not do this.

If we stop supporting Pentium II and Pentium III, I have to buy a whole 
lot of new hardware.   Dead serious.

Could we do i686 as a secondary arch, and swap with i386 further in the 
future?

-- 
in your fear, speak only peace
in your fear, seek only love

-d. bowie