4.1.2 i386 Specific

This section discusses i386 specific topics. This is also applicable to all x86 architectures after the i386 (such as the Pentiums) running in 32-bit enhanced mode.

Due to its heritage, the i386 register set is quite interesting. Although the ALU of the i386 is capable of 32-bit operations, Some registers can be access as 8-bit registers, while other can be access can be access in 16-bit registers.

We are limiting our scope here to just the data and address registers. Other special registers will be introduced later as necessary.