The Birth of the PC Age: Intel 8088 Processor
45 years ago, the PC age began with the launch of the IBM PC Model 5150, powered by the Intel 8088 microprocessor. This processor, a cheaper sibling of the Intel 8086, played a crucial role in the dominance of x86 architecture in personal computing.
## The PC Age Begins 45 years ago, in August 1981, the PC age began with the launch of the IBM PC Model 5150. At its heart was the Intel 8088 microprocessor, a cheaper sibling of the Intel 8086. This processor, designed to be more affordable, allowed IBM to pick up common 1980s-era components to configure the Model 5150, boosting system affordability. The Intel 8088's 8-bit external data bus, although slower than the 16-bit external data bus of the Intel 8086, made it a more cost-effective option. ## The Rise of x86 Architecture The Intel 8088's design was influenced by the Intel 8086, which delivered the first x86 architecture chip with a 16-bit internal architecture and a matching 16-bit external data bus. The 8088's 8-bit external data bus was a compromise to make the processor cheaper, but it also allowed IBM to configure the Model 5150 with common components. The availability of software written for the 8086, including versions of DOS for x86, helped the IBM PC Model 5150 become a hit product. ## x86 Processor Manufacturers Over the years, numerous companies have manufactured x86 processors, including Intel, AMD, Cyrix, NEC, Texas Instruments, IDT (Centaur Technology), Rise Technology, SGS-Thomson, and Transmeta. Analyst Patrick Moorhead tweeted about the diverse canon of x86 processor manufacturers, highlighting the complexity of the x86 ecosystem. Other companies, such as ALi/ULi, Harris, Fujitsu, and Zhaoxin, have also produced x86 chips at some point. ## Legacy of the Original PC As we look to the future of computing, Intel reflects on the legacy of the original PC, which was born 45 years ago. The company looks forward to continuing the partnership with IBM and building on the legacy of the original PC into the AI-computing era. However, the AI boom has caused many people to be priced out of new PCs, new components, and/or upgrades in recent months. The PC industry continues to evolve, with new technologies and innovations emerging to shape the future of personal computing.
