Computer processor history

1971:
Intel introduces the first microprocessor, the Intel 4004 on November 15, 1971.

1974:
Intel's improved microprocessor chip, the 8080 becomes a standard in the computer industry.

1976:
The Intel 8086 is introduced.

1979:
The Intel 8088 is released on July 1, 1979.

1985:
Intel introduces the 80386 in October.

1987:
The SPARC processor is first introduced by Sun.

1988:
Intel 80386SX is introduced.

1991:
AMD introduces the AM386 microprocessor family in March.

1991:
Intel introduces the Intel 486SX chip in April in efforts to help bring a lower-cost processor to the PC market selling for $258.00.

1992:
Intel releases the 486DX2 chip March 2 with a clock doubling ability that generates higher operating speeds.

1993:
Intel releases the Pentium Processor on March 22 1993. The processor is a 60 MHz processor, incorporates 3.1 million transistors and sells for $878.00.

1994:
Intel releases the second generation of Intel Pentium processors on March 7, 1994.

1995:
Intel introduces the Intel Pentium Pro in November.

1996:
Intel announces the availability of the Pentium 150 MHz with 60MHz bus and 166 MHz with 66 MHz bus on January 4th.

1997:
Intel Pentium II is introduced on May 7, 1997.

1999:
Intel releases the Celeron 366 MHz and 400 MHz processors on January 4th.

1999:
The Intel Pentium III 500 MHz is released on February 26, 1999.

1999:
The Intel Pentium III 550 MHz is released on May 17, 1999.

1999:
The Intel Pentium III 600 MHz is released on August 2, 1999.

1999:
The Intel Pentium III 533B and 600B MHz is released on September 27, 1999.

1999:
The Intel Pentium III Coppermine series is first introduced on October 25, 1999.

2000:
On January 5 AMD releases the 800 MHz Athlon processor.

2000:
Intel releases the Celeron 533 MHz with a 66 MHz bus processor on January 4th.

2000:
Intel announces on August 28th that it will recall its 1.3 GHz Pentium III processors due to a glitch. Users with these processors should contact their vendors for additional information about the recall.

2001:
On January 3 Intel releases the 800 MHz Celeron processor with a 100 MHz bus.

2001:
On January 3 Intel releases the 1.3 GHz Pentium 4 processor.

2001:
OOn October 9th AMD announces a new branding scheme. Instead of identifying processors by their clock speed the AMD XP will bear monikers of 1800+, 1700+, 1600+ and 1500+, with each lower model number representing a lower clock speed.

2002:
Intel releases the Celeron 1.3 GHz with a 100 MHz bus and 256 kB of level 2 cache.

2003:
Intel Pentium M is introduced in March.

2006:
On January 5, 2006 Intel introduces the Intel Core.