The PC age began 45 years ago with the breakthrough Intel 8088 processor — 8-bit bus fueled 45 years of x86 dominance
45 years ago, in August 1981, the PC age began in earnest with the launch of the IBM PC Model 5150. At its heart was the Intel 8088 microprocessor.
In August 1981, the PC era truly began with the release of the IBM PC Model 5150, which featured the Intel 8088 microprocessor. This processor was a more affordable version of the Intel 8086, the processor that had pioneered the x86 architecture. The decision by IBM to allow the creation of PC clones, coupled with the 8088's lower cost, launched a four and a half decade long era of dominance by PC compatibles.
In the years since, Intel has continued to build on this foundation, with many other companies such as AMD, Cyrix, IBM, NEC, Texas Instruments, IDT, Rise Technology, SGS-Thomson, and Transmeta also producing x86 chips. The announcement of this milestone noted Intel's intention to continue this partnership "for another 45 years and beyond," and hinted at the processor's role in shaping AI-computing.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Hardware's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
