Intel 80386

microprocessor

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July 19, 2026

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The Intel 80386, often called the 386, was a significant 32-bit microprocessor released by Intel Corp in 1985. It was a crucial advancement because it was the first Intel microprocessor to offer full backward compatibility with previous CPUs, meaning software designed for older Intel processors could run on the 80386. This feature assured developers and users that their existing software would function on newer machines, fostering confidence and encouraging upgrades. The 80386 contained 275,000 transistors, a substantial increase from earlier models, and paved the way for more powerful computing capabilities.1

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Intel
1970s–1980s: Early products and IBM partnership
…the most important was the 80386, a 32-bit chip released in 1985 that started the company’s commitment to make all future microprocessors backward-compatible with previous CPUs. Application developers and PC owners could then be assured that software that worked on older Intel machines would run on the newest models.
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…the most important was the 80386, a 32-bit chip released in 1985 that started the company’s commitment to make all future microprocessors backward-compatible with previous CPUs. Application developers and PC owners could then be assured that software that worked on older Intel machines would run on the newest models.
Read More