Category Archives: Processors

From an AMD press release:

SAN FRANCISCO — September 23, 2003 –AMD (NYSE: AMD) today marked the next frontier in computing, introducing the world’s first and only Windows-compatible 64-bit PC processor – the AMD Athlon™ 64 FX processor – and paving the way for a jaw-dropping PC experience. The AMD Athlon 64 FX processor delivers what no other PC processor can: the highest overall 32-bit performance for today’s demanding applications and the power of 64-bit computing for the next wave of software.

Specifically designed for gamers, PC enthusiasts and digital content creators, the AMD Athlon 64 FX processor is the most technically advanced and highest performing 32-bit and 64-bit PC processor in the world. Systems based on the AMD Athlon 64 FX processor enable a “cinematic computing” experience that is immersive, interactive and provides a new level of realism not available today except from DVD-quality films.

“AMD is taking a lead role in shaping the future of the computing industry by putting the power of AMD64 technology at the fingertips of PC users around the world,” said Hector Ruiz, president and chief executive officer of AMD. “The growing number of people looking for cinema-quality PC performance that transforms imagination into reality can now fully realize their dreams.

A 32-bit microprocessor announced by Intel in 1992. It contains 3.3 million transistors, nearly triple the number contained in its predecessor, the 80486 chip. Though still in production, the Pentium processor has been superseded by the Pentium Pro and Pentium II microprocessors. Since 1993, Intel has developed the Pentium III and more recently the Pentium 4 microprocessors.

 The Intel 80286 (officially called iAPX 286) is a 16-bit microprocessor that allows up to 16 megabytes of RAM. On DOS machines these can only be used via extended memory emulation. The Intel 8086 by contrast is only able to address 1 megabyte of RAM. The clock speed is between 6 and 20 MHz. Its successor is the Intel 80386.  First released in 1982, the 286 was widely used in IBM PC compatible computers during the mid to late 1980s.

The Intel 8008 was an early CPU designed and manufactured by Intel. It was released in April 1974 running at 2MHz, and is generally considered to be the first truly usable microprocessor design. It was used in many early computers, and formed the basis for machines running CP/M.

The 8008 was twice as powerful as the 4004. A 1974 article in Radio Electronics referred to a device called the Mark-8 which used the 8008. The Mark-8 is known as one of the first computers for the home –one that by today’s standards was difficult to build, maintain and operate.

The 4004 was Intel’s first microprocessor. This breakthrough invention powered the Busicom calculator and paved the way for embedding intelligence in inanimate objects as well as the personal computer.

The birth of the 4004 was an intense moment witnessed by the designer, Federico Faggin alone, working into the night in the deserted Intel labs. He had received the 4004 wafers from the manufacturing line at around 6 PM, in January 1971, as people were leaving for the day. With hands trembling and heart pounding he loaded the wafers in the wafer probe and connected it. A sigh of relief raised from his chest, above the humming of the instruments, as he observed electrical activity in the device. As the testing progressed, the tension was gradually transforming into elation as all the critical functions showed to be operating properly. At around 3 AM, exhausted and ecstatic, Faggin left the lab. At home his wife, Elvia, was waiting for the news. “It works”! he announced, and they shared the happiness in this moment of triumph.