Am386

Am386

Am386 microprocessor The Am386 is a microprocessor that was developed by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) in the late 1980s. It is part of the x86 family of processors and was designed as a low-cost alternative to Intel's 80386 processor.

History

The development of the Am386 began in 1986 when AMD recognized the growing demand for affordable x86 processors. At the time, Intel dominated the market with its 80386 processor, which was expensive and targeted towards high-end systems. AMD saw an opportunity to cater to the budget-conscious consumers and businesses who needed a more affordable option.

In 1987, AMD released the Am386 DX, which was the first version of the processor. It was compatible with the Intel 80386 instruction set and featured a clock speed of up to 40 MHz. The Am386 DX quickly gained popularity due to its lower price point and comparable performance to the Intel counterpart.

Features

The Am386 was a 32-bit microprocessor that offered several notable features:

- Clock speeds ranging from 16 MHz to 40 MHz, providing a balance between performance and affordability. - Support for the Intel 80386 instruction set, ensuring compatibility with existing software and operating systems. - On-chip cache memory, which improved performance by reducing the need to access external memory. - Integrated math coprocessor, allowing for faster mathematical calculations. - Low power consumption, making it suitable for portable devices and battery-powered systems.

Impact and Legacy

The Am386 played a significant role in the x86 processor market during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its affordability and compatibility with Intel's instruction set made it a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers and businesses. It provided a viable alternative to the more expensive Intel processors, allowing AMD to gain a foothold in the market.

The success of the Am386 paved the way for future generations of AMD processors, such as the Am486 and the highly successful AMD K5 and K6 series. These processors further solidified AMD's position as a competitor to Intel in the x86 market.

See Also

• Advanced Micro Devices
• x86 architecture
• Intel 80386