Intel microprocessor types

INTEL 8086
The 8086 microprocessor was introduced in 1978, and has a 16-bit data bus structure. The 8086 was found to be faster than the 8088 in communication speed with the other computer components, but lost out in popularity to the 8088 due to the high cost of 16-bit support chips and peripherals.

INTEL 8088
Also introduced in 1978, the 8088 microprocessor has an 8-bit external data bus and an 16-bit internal data bus. The original 8088 operated at 4.77 MHz, and has since been expanded to up to 10 MHz. The 10 MHz speed in "XTs" use chips known as turbo chips.

INTEL 80286
The 80286 microprocessor was introduced in 1984, and included a 16-bit data structure and the ability to address up to 16 MB of RAM. The 80286 machines run in two distinct modes. Under" Real Mode", the 80286 runs DOS programs at an 8086 pace, and only uses 1MB of RAM. In "Protected Mode", the 80286 uses up to 16MB of RAM.

INTEL 80386
The 80386 microprocessor was introduced in 1986, and included a 32-bit data bus structure and the ability to address up to 4GB of memory. The 80386 allows memory to be broken up into blocks, allowing applications to be run simultaneously.

INTEL 80386SX
The 80386SX microprocessor was introduced in 1988, and shared the same electronic characteristics as the 80386, except that the SX included a 16-bit data structure. It therefore could use the add-on chips designed for the 80286, which are much less expensive.

INTEL 80486
The 80486 microprocessor was introduced in 1989, and included a 32-bit data bus structure, and the ability to address up to 64GB of memory.

INTEL Pentium
The Pentium processor is on the leading edge of technology, with a 64-bit data bus structure.

INTEL Pentium Pro
The Pentium Pro processor is on the leading edge of technology, with a 64-bit data bus structure and the addition of a level 2 cache built directly into the chip.