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Intel 8086

A 16-bit microprocessor released in June 1978 that began the x86 family still used in computers today.

Intel released the 8086 in June 1978. Development began in May 1976 as a stopgap for the delayed iAPX 432 project. It was a 16-bit processor.

Intel released the 8088 in 1979. It was a slightly changed chip with an 8-bit external data bus, built for cheaper support chips. The 8086 gave rise to x86, the instruction set that later powered most desktop computers.

Why it matters

The 8086 started the x86 family. Intel released a Core i7-8086K on June 5, 2018 to mark the chip's 40th anniversary.

Key facts

  • Released in June 1978.
  • 16-bit microprocessor.
  • Development began in May 1976.
  • The 8088 followed in 1979 with an 8-bit external bus.
  • Started the x86 instruction set.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Intel 8086", en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_8086, accessed October 14, 2026.
  2. Wikipedia, "Intel", en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel, background reading, accessed October 14, 2026.