Intel's microprocessor lineage began with the groundbreaking 4004 in 1971 and has evolved into powerful, multi-core chips powering everything from smartphones to supercomputers. Below is a chronological overview of major processors and families, including transistor count, initial clock speed, key features, multiprocessor capabilities, and notable computers or uses. Data is based on historical records up to early 2026, with upcoming releases like Nova Lake planned for later in the year.
Transistor count: 2,300; Initial clock speed: 740 kHz; Key features: 4-bit architecture, PMOS technology, 45 instructions, addresses 640 bytes RAM/4 KB ROM; Multiprocessor: None; Notable computers/uses: Busicom 141-PF calculator, early embedded systems like point-of-sale terminals.
Transistor count: 3,000; Initial clock speed: 740 kHz; Key features: 4-bit, PMOS with interrupts and halt instruction; Multiprocessor: None; Notable computers/uses: Improved calculators and programmable controllers.
Transistor count: 3,500; Initial clock speed: 500 kHz (up to 800 kHz); Key features: 8-bit, PMOS, 48 instructions; Multiprocessor: None; Notable computers/uses: Datapoint 2200 terminal, Texas Instruments 742 microcomputer.
Transistor count: 4,500 (later 6,000); Initial clock speed: 2 MHz (up to 3 MHz); Key features: 8-bit NMOS, 78 instructions, separate address/data buses; Multiprocessor: None; Notable computers/uses: Altair 8800 (first successful personal computer), traffic controllers, IMSAI 8080.
Transistor count: 6,500; Initial clock speed: 3 MHz (up to 6 MHz); Key features: 8-bit NMOS, single 5V supply, integrated serial I/O; Multiprocessor: None; Notable computers/uses: Embedded systems, TRS-80 Model 100 portable, Mars Sojourner rover.
Transistor count: 29,000; Initial clock speed: 5 MHz (up to 10 MHz for 8086), 4.77 MHz for 8088; Key features: 16-bit internal (8088: 8-bit external bus), segmented addressing; Multiprocessor: Limited; Notable computers/uses: IBM PC (8088), Compaq Deskpro, Olivetti M24.
Transistor count: 55,000; Initial clock speed: 6 MHz (up to 25 MHz); Key features: 16-bit with integrated peripherals (DMA, timers); Multiprocessor: None; Notable computers/uses: Embedded controllers, Tandy 2000, RM Nimbus PC.
Transistor count: 134,000; Initial clock speed: 6 MHz (up to 25 MHz); Key features: 16-bit, protected mode, 24-bit addressing (16 MB); Multiprocessor: Limited SMP; Notable computers/uses: IBM PC/AT, Compaq Deskpro 286, servers.
Transistor count: 275,000; Initial clock speed: 16 MHz (up to 40 MHz); Key features: 32-bit, paging, virtual memory; Multiprocessor: SMP support; Notable computers/uses: Compaq Deskpro 386 (first 32-bit PC), early Windows machines.
Transistor count: 1.2 million; Initial clock speed: 25 MHz (up to 100 MHz in DX4); Key features: 32-bit, integrated FPU and cache; Multiprocessor: SMP (up to 2); Notable computers/uses: Early 486 PCs, gateways to multimedia computing.
Transistor count: 3.1 million; Initial clock speed: 60 MHz (up to 200 MHz); Key features: 32-bit superscalar, dual pipelines; Multiprocessor: SMP (up to 2); Notable computers/uses: Early multimedia PCs, Windows 95 machines.
Transistor count: 5.5 million; Initial clock speed: 150 MHz; Key features: 32-bit out-of-order execution; Multiprocessor: SMP (up to 4); Notable computers/uses: Servers, workstations.
Transistor count: 7.5-28 million; Initial clock speed: 233 MHz (up to 1.4 GHz); Key features: 32-bit, MMX/SSE; Multiprocessor: SMP (up to 2); Notable computers/uses: Desktops, Dell Dimension, early internet PCs.
Transistor count: 42 million; Initial clock speed: 1.4 GHz (up to 3.8 GHz); Key features: 32/64-bit NetBurst, HT; Multiprocessor: SMP (up to 2); Notable computers/uses: Dell Dimension, early gaming rigs.
Transistor count: 291 million (Duo); Initial clock speed: 1.86 GHz; Key features: 64-bit multi-core, SSE3; Multiprocessor: SMP (up to 2); Notable computers/uses: MacBook Pro, desktops.
Transistor count: 731 million to billions; Initial clock speed: 2.66 GHz (up to 5 GHz+); Key features: 64-bit, HT, integrated GPU; Multiprocessor: SMP (up to 2 desktop, more in Xeon); Notable computers/uses: Laptops, desktops, servers; e.g., Dell XPS, HP Pavilion.
Transistor count: Up to tens of billions; Initial clock speed: 2.6 GHz (up to 6 GHz); Key features: 64-bit hybrid P/E cores, DDR5; Multiprocessor: SMP (up to 2); Notable computers/uses: Gaming PCs, workstations; e.g., Alienware, Surface Laptop.
Transistor count: Tens of billions (disaggregated tiles); Initial clock speed: 2.1-5.9 GHz; Key features: 64-bit hybrid, integrated Arc GPU, NPU for AI, Foveros 3D packaging; Multiprocessor: SMP (up to 2); Notable computers/uses: AI-optimized laptops/desktops; e.g., Dell XPS 13, ASUS Zenbook, Microsoft Surface.
Transistor count: Not publicly detailed (estimated higher with 18A node); Initial clock speed: Up to 6 GHz+; Key features: Enhanced hybrid cores, improved AI NPU, advanced process; Multiprocessor: SMP; Notable computers/uses: Business/gaming PCs, evolving AI applications.
Transistor count: Expected significant increase; Initial clock speed: Higher than predecessors; Key features: Major core count boost, next-gen architecture; Multiprocessor: Advanced SMP; Notable computers/uses: Planned for desktops/servers, filling performance gaps.