The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was the world's first general-purpose electronic digital computer. Although not a CPU in the modern sense, it marked a significant step in computing history.
IBM 7011952
The IBM 701, or Defense Calculator, was IBM's first commercially available scientific computer. It featured vacuum tube technology and played a crucial role in early scientific research and calculations.
Transistor-based CPUsLate 1950s
Transition from vacuum tubes to transistors marked a major advancement. Transistors were smaller, more reliable, and efficient, paving the way for the miniaturization of computers.
IBM System/3601964
The System/360 family of computers introduced compatibility across models, allowing users to upgrade without reprogramming. It became a cornerstone in mainframe computing.
Intel 40041971
The Intel 4004, the first microprocessor, marked the birth of the CPU as a single-chip solution. It had 2,300 transistors and laid the foundation for the microprocessor revolution.
Intel 80861978
The 8086 was Intel's first x86 microprocessor, shaping the architecture for numerous CPUs in the years to come, including the iconic x86 instruction set.
Motorola 680001979
The 68000 series processors from Motorola were widely used in early personal computers and gaming consoles, contributing to the growth of the microcomputer industry.
Intel 803861985
The 80386 introduced 32-bit architecture, supporting virtual memory and paving the way for modern operating systems.
Intel Pentium1993
The Pentium processor marked a shift to superscalar architecture, allowing it to execute multiple instructions per clock cycle, boosting overall performance.
AMD Athlon1999
AMD's Athlon series introduced innovations like a high-speed system bus and on-die L2 cache, providing strong competition in the desktop CPU market.
Multi-Core ProcessorsEarly 2000s
The move to multi-core processors became prominent, enhancing parallel processing capabilities and addressing the increasing demand for multitasking.
Intel Core Architecture2006
The Intel Core processors brought improved performance and energy efficiency, establishing the Core series as a standard in both desktop and mobile computing.
Ryzen Series by AMD2017
AMD's Ryzen processors reinvigorated competition, offering strong performance and value, particularly in multi-threaded workloads.
Apple Silicon2020
Apple's transition from Intel processors to custom-designed Apple Silicon marked a significant shift, emphasizing performance, efficiency, and integration with their ecosystem.
