# Intel 80386

> family of 32-bit microprocessors introduced in 1985, including DX, SX and SL models

**Wikidata**: [Q237794](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q237794)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I386)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/intel-80386

## Summary
The Intel 80386 is a family of 32-bit microprocessors introduced by Intel in 1985, including DX, SX, and SL models. It succeeded the Intel 80286 and was followed by the Intel 80486, representing a major advancement in personal computer architecture.

## Key Facts
- Introduced in October 1985 by Intel
- 32-bit microprocessor family including DX, SX, and SL models
- Clock frequency ranges from 12 MHz minimum to 40 MHz maximum
- Discontinued on September 28, 2007
- Developed by Intel, with manufacturing also by AMD and IBM
- Uses IA-32 instruction set architecture
- Supports PGA132 socket
- Fabricated using 1.0 µm and 1.5 µm lithography processes
- Part of the Intel microprocessor family
- Also known by aliases including i386, 386, and Intel 386

## FAQs
### Q: What are the different models of the Intel 80386?
A: The Intel 80386 family includes the 80386DX (full 32-bit), 80386SX (16-bit data bus version), and 80386SL (power-efficient version for laptops).

### Q: When was the Intel 80386 discontinued?
A: The Intel 80386 was discontinued on September 28, 2007, after more than two decades of production.

### Q: What companies manufactured the Intel 80386?
A: While Intel was the primary developer, the 80386 was also manufactured under license by AMD and IBM.

## Why It Matters
The Intel 80386 represented a pivotal moment in computing history as it brought 32-bit computing to the mainstream personal computer market. This architecture enabled computers to address more memory, run more sophisticated operating systems, and execute more complex software than its 16-bit predecessors. The 80386's introduction in 1985 marked the beginning of the modern PC era, as it provided the foundation for operating systems like Windows 3.0 and early versions of Linux. Its backward compatibility with 16-bit software ensured a smooth transition for users while opening new possibilities for software developers. The 80386's influence extended well beyond its production lifespan, as its architecture and instruction set became the basis for subsequent Intel processors and the x86 architecture that powers most personal computers today.

## Notable For
- First commercially successful 32-bit x86 microprocessor
- Introduced virtual memory and protected mode to personal computers
- Enabled the development of modern multitasking operating systems
- Provided the foundation for the x86 architecture still used today
- One of the longest-produced microprocessors in history (1985-2007)

## Body
### Technical Specifications
The Intel 80386 operates with a 32-bit processor architecture, featuring a 32-bit address bus and 32-bit data paths in the DX model. The processor includes 275,000 transistors and is built on a 1.0 µm or 1.5 µm CMOS process. It features a 32-bit register set, including general-purpose registers, index registers, and a stack pointer.

### Architecture Features
The 80386 introduced several groundbreaking architectural features to personal computing. It supports three operating modes: real mode (for backward compatibility with 8086 software), protected mode (for advanced memory management and multitasking), and virtual 8086 mode (allowing multiple real-mode sessions). The processor includes a built-in memory management unit (MMU) that supports paging and virtual memory, enabling systems to use more memory than physically available.

### Variants and Applications
The 80386DX was the original full-featured model, while the 80386SX reduced costs by using a 16-bit external data bus. The 80386SL was optimized for laptop computers with power management features. The processor found applications in personal computers, workstations, servers, and embedded systems. Notable variants include the Intel 80386EX for embedded applications and the IBM 386SLC, an IBM-licensed version.

### Market Impact
The 80386's introduction in 1985 established Intel as the dominant force in microprocessor design and created the foundation for the company's x86 architecture dominance. It enabled the development of graphical user interfaces and sophisticated software applications that required more processing power and memory than previous architectures could provide. The processor's success led to the development of the 80486 and subsequent generations of x86 processors.

### Legacy
The 80386's architecture and instruction set continue to influence modern computing. Its introduction of 32-bit computing to the mainstream market set the stage for the development of modern operating systems and applications. The processor's design principles, including its approach to memory management and instruction set architecture, remain relevant in contemporary processor design.

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## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. [Source](https://www.intel.com/pressroom/kits/quickreffam.htm#i486)
3. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20061007151235/http://developer.intel.com/design/pcn/Processors/D0106013.pdf)
4. [Source](https://www.cpushack.com/life-cycle-of-cpu.html)
5. National Library of Israel