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I'm trying to download some Python .whl files, but I'm not sure what version I should be downloading.

I have a windows machine with an Intel chip, but all the versions I see use amd64, does that mean the versions are for AMD chips only?

Peter Cordes
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Connor
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    It's a synonym for x86-64. [The most correct way to refer to 32-bit and 64-bit versions of programs for x86-related CPUs?](https://stackoverflow.com/q/53364320) . See also [What EXACTLY is the difference between intel's and amd's ISA, if any?](https://stackoverflow.com/q/38516823). AMD was first, and some software still uses `amd64` as part of their naming of the ISA. Other Q&As include [How can Intel and AMD be different but still compatible?](https://stackoverflow.com/q/37980591) / [Why do Off-the-shelf applications work on both Intel and AMD processors?](//stackoverflow.com/q/832007) – Peter Cordes Feb 10 '23 at 16:45

1 Answers1

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Basic Takeaway

You can download the amd64 version of the file.

AMD64 is the standard name given to the 64-bit x86 architecture, which your Intel chip probably uses. You can read more about x86-64 here.

Short History

Intel wanted to leave the x86 architecture behind and adopt a new architecture that would not be backwards-compatible with pre-existing 32-bit x86 architectures, and in doing so cut AMD out of the market. To counter this, AMD redeveloped the x86 architecture and presented it as an evolutionary approach for moving to 64-bit chipsets that supported legacy 32-bit code.

Because of this support, AMD's architecture prevailed and Intel was forced to adopt their design. AMD developed the architecture, which is why Python .whl files use amd64 to represent architectures based on x86-64.

Connor
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