Intel processors - why so many?

prowla

50Twuncle wrote: »

I remember when there were just 386 SX's then Intel offered DX's
This was the start of it ??

Your memory needs an upgrade...

The 32-bit 80386 (commonly known as a "386") was introduced in 1985, and the 80386SX (ie. "386SX") variant was introduced in 1988.

The normal 386 was then renamed the 80386DX to differentiate it.

The 386SX was a lower cost version of the CPU, which only had half the bus width (ie. 16 bits instead of 32), which meant it was slower for I/O and also that it had a limited memory size.

Intel also brought in an "SL" variant, aimed at lower power consumption, for laptops.

They also had an optional 80387 maths co-processor.

Apart from that, you're right; it was all way simpler...

Well, actually the 80386 was a replacement for the 80286, which itself was a replacement for the 8080.

And the 8080 had competition from the Motorola M68000, which many thought was a better technology.

Yep, it was way easier back then...