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The 686 problem. Microprocessor CPU
Name: Anthony
Status: N/A
Age: N/A
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: Around 1993
Question:
In January 1993, Intel will be coming out with the 586. Is it
possible for Intel to come out with a 686 with the microprocessor technology
we currently have? What changes have to occur?
Replies:
Well, to review the past advancements:
8086/8088 - 8 bit processor 8 bit bus (8 MHz)
80286 - 16 bit processor 16 bit bus (12 MHz)
80386sx - 32 bit processor 16 bit bus (25 MHz)
80386dx - 32 bit processor 32 bit bus (40 MHz)
80486sx - 32 bit processor 32 bit bus faster speeds (50 MHz)
80486dx - 32 bit processor 32 bit bus (50 MHz) w/ Math Co-processor built in
80586 - ??
It all depends on what the improvements are. There are other improvements in
the above, other than bus width, speed, etc. Each processor has been backward
compatible, but other functions have been included in each processor like
protected mode functions, memory operations, etc.... that have made the
processor more multi-user and multi-function compatible. Probably more
important, down the line, is not the processor advances, but actual
architectural advances. An example is to free the processor from the video
tasks and have separate processors for this or multi-processor machines. But,
as a chip maker, Intel will continue making new chips. Maybe a 64 bit bus?
Chris Baker
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Update: June 2012
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