Beyond Intel and Motorola, several manufacturers produced influential microprocessors that shaped computing history. These chips powered iconic systems, introduced important architectural innovations, or dominated specific markets like workstations, minicomputers, gaming consoles, and embedded devices. Below are key processors from other major producers.
Transistor count: ~8,500; Initial clock speed: 2.5 MHz (up to 10 MHz later); Key features: 8-bit CISC, enhanced 8080 instruction set, built-in DRAM refresh; Multiprocessor: None; Notable computers/uses: TRS-80 Model I/III, ZX Spectrum, MSX computers, ColecoVision, Sega Master System, thousands of arcade games.
Transistor count: ~17,500; Initial clock speed: 4 MHz; Key features: 16-bit segmented addressing; Multiprocessor: Limited; Notable computers/uses: Military systems, Olivetti workstations (limited commercial success).
Transistor count: ~3,510; Initial clock speed: 1 MHz (up to 3 MHz); Key features: 8-bit low-cost design, simple indexing; Multiprocessor: None; Notable computers/uses: Apple I/II, Commodore PET/VIC-20/64, Atari 2600/8-bit family, Nintendo NES/Famicom, BBC Micro.
Key features: 6502 with integrated I/O ports; Notable computers/uses: Commodore 64 (most popular variant).
Transistor count: ~10,000; Initial clock speed: 3 MHz; Key features: 16-bit, register-based in memory; Multiprocessor: None; Notable computers/uses: TI-99/4A home computer.
Transistor count: ~30,000; Initial clock speed: 20 MHz; Key features: First commercial DSP (digital signal processor); Notable computers/uses: Early audio and modem processing.
Key features: CMOS low-power 6502-compatible; 16-bit mode in 816; Notable computers/uses: Apple IIgs, Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES, Ricoh 5A22 variant).
Transistor count: 25,000-30,000; Initial clock speed: 8 MHz; Key features: 32-bit RISC, low power; Multiprocessor: Later; Notable computers/uses: Acorn Archimedes (first commercial RISC desktop).
Evolved into ubiquitous mobile processors (Cortex-A/M/R series); dominate smartphones, tablets, embedded IoT (billions shipped annually).
Early 16-bit microprocessor; limited use.
One of the first 16-bit microprocessors; used in early minicomputers.
Transistor count: ~5,000; Initial clock speed: 6.4 MHz possible; Key features: CMOS, very low power, static design; Multiprocessor: None; Notable computers/uses: COSMAC VIP kit, ELF hobby computers, spacecraft (Galileo, Hubble early missions).
8-bit; used in arcade games (e.g., some early video games).
These processors highlight the diversity of the early microprocessor era. The Z80 and 6502 became legendary for affordability and widespread adoption in home computers and gaming. ARM's RISC design conquered mobile and embedded markets. While Intel's x86 dominated desktops/servers and Motorola's 68k/ppc excelled in workstations, these "other" chips powered millions of systems and proved that innovation flourished across many companies in the 1970s and 1980s.