eli5: What does people mean when they say that a computer system runs on different architecture from another computer? Like when somebody says that an emulator can run N64 games faster theoretically but because of different architecture in practicality it cant?

Question

eli5: What does people mean when they say that a computer system runs on different architecture from another computer? Like when somebody says that an emulator can run N64 games faster theoretically but because of different architecture in practicality it cant?

In: Technology

Answer 1

Think of it like this…

The engine drives your car, but each manufacturer has their own engine design.

So you can take a Dodge Viper engine and put it in a PT Cruiser because they’re the same manufacturer:

https://www.carscoops.com/2011/06/viper-v10-powered-chrysler-pt-10/

While it’s technically possible to put a Ford engine in a Chevrolet, it’s a lot harder and requires re-routing and re-engineering.

So computer code designed to run on a particular kind of chip may require extensive re-working to work on a different class of chip.

This is why PS4 games can run on the PS5, they have chips of a similar class, but PS3 games cannot, the Cell processor is too different from the later machines.