# Am486

> 80486-class computer processor family by AMD

**Wikidata**: [Q294857](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q294857)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Am486)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/am486

## Summary
The Am486 is an 80486-class computer processor family developed and manufactured by AMD. Introduced in 1993, this CPU model serves as the successor to the Am386 and is followed by the Am5x86. It operates at clock frequencies ranging from 25 MHz to 120 MHz and utilizes the AMD K4 microarchitecture.

## Key Facts
- **Inception:** 1993
- **Developer and Manufacturer:** AMD
- **Processor Class:** 80486-class computer processor family
- **Instance Of:** CPU model
- **Subclass Of:** AMD microprocessor and central processing unit
- **Predecessor:** Am386 (inception: 1991)
- **Successor:** Am5x86
- **Microarchitecture:** AMD K4
- **Clock Frequency Range:** 25 MHz (minimum) to 120 MHz (maximum)
- **Front-Side Bus (FSB) Speed Range:** 25 MHz (minimum) to 40 MHz (maximum)
- **Aliases:** AMD Am486, Am486SX, Am486DX, Am486DX2, Am486DX4, Am486 DX, Am486 DX2, Am486 SX2, Am5x86, Am486 DX4
- **Freebase ID:** /m/0210gy
- **Wikimedia Commons Category:** AMD Am486
- **Total Sitelink Count:** 20
- **Wikipedia Languages:** ca, commons, cs, de, en, es, fi, fr, hu, it, ja, ko, pl, pt, ru, sh, sk, sv, uk, vi
- **Primary Image:** [AMD 486 DX2 66 NV8T Front](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/AMD_486_DX2_66_NV8T_Front.jpg)

## FAQs
**Who created the Am486?**
The Am486 was developed and manufactured by AMD, an American multinational semiconductor company founded in 1969.

**What are the speed specifications of the Am486?**
This processor family features a clock frequency ranging from 25 MHz to 120 MHz and a front-side bus speed between 25 MHz and 40 MHz.

**Which processors came before and after the Am486?**
The Am486 followed the Am386 processor and was succeeded by the Am5x86, utilizing the AMD K4 microarchitecture.

**What are the different names or variants associated with the Am486?**
Known aliases include AMD Am486, Am486SX, Am486DX, Am486DX2, Am486DX4, Am486 DX, Am486 DX2, Am486 SX2, Am5x86, and Am486 DX4.

## Why It Matters
The Am486 represents a critical evolution in AMD's processor history, bridging the gap between the earlier 386 architecture and the later 5x86 chips. By offering clock speeds up to 120 MHz, it provided a competitive 80486-class option in the semiconductor market during the early 1990s. Its development underscored AMD's growing capability to produce high-performance microprocessors that were central processing units compatible with industry standards.

## Notable For
- Achieving a maximum clock frequency of 120 MHz.
- Supporting a front-side bus speed that reaches up to 40 MHz.
- Serving as the direct successor to the Am386 and the precursor to the Am5x86.
- Incorporating the AMD K4 microarchitecture.
- Being documented across 20 different Wikimedia sitelinks and 20 language versions of Wikipedia.

## Body

### Overview and Specifications
The Am486 is defined as an 80486-class computer processor family and a specific CPU model. It operates within the central processing unit class and is a subclass of AMD microprocessors. The family was introduced in 1993 with an inception date that marks its entry into the market. Technical specifications indicate that the processor's clock frequency varies, with a minimum of 25 MHz and a maximum of 120 MHz. Additionally, the front-side bus (FSB) speed ranges from a minimum of 25 MHz to a maximum of 40 MHz.

### Development and Manufacturer
The entity was created and developed by AMD, an American multinational semiconductor company. AMD was founded on May 1, 1969, and operates within the electrical, semiconductor, and computer industries. The company's headquarters have historically been located in Sunnyvale (from September 1969 to August 2016) and subsequently moved to Santa Clara (from August 2016 onwards). AMD has employed varying numbers of personnel over the years, including 8,900 in 2017, 11,400 in 2019, 15,500 in 2021, and a projected 28,000 in 2025.

### Lineage and Microarchitecture
The Am486 fits into a specific lineage of processors. It is preceded by the Am386, a processor that had its own inception in 1991. The Am486 is succeeded by the Am5x86, which is also identified as a 486 computer chip made by AMD. The microarchitecture associated with the Am486 is the AMD K4. This progression highlights the transition from earlier 32-bit processing capabilities toward more advanced iterations within the AMD family.

### Variants and Aliases
The processor is recognized by several names and aliases, reflecting different models and marketing variations. These include AMD Am486, Am486SX, Am486DX, Am486DX2, Am486DX4, Am486 DX, Am486 DX2, Am486 SX2, Am5x86, and Am486 DX4. The inclusion of "Am5x86" as an alias links the family directly to its successor.

### Documentation and Availability
The Am486 has a significant presence in knowledge bases and online encyclopedias. It holds a Freebase ID of /m/0210gy. The processor is categorized under "AMD Am486" on Wikimedia Commons. The entity's coverage is extensive, with a total sitelink count of 20. Wikipedia articles about the Am486 are available in 20 languages: Catalan (ca), Commons (commons), Czech (cs), German (de), English (en), Spanish (es), Finnish (fi), French (fr), Hungarian (hu), Italian (it), Japanese (ja), Korean (ko), Polish (pl), Portuguese (pt), Russian (ru), Serbo-Croatian (sh), Slovak (sk), Swedish (sv), Ukrainian (uk), and Vietnamese (vi). An associated image file is available titled "AMD 486 DX2 66 NV8T Front."

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013