The Intel 386 processor was a critical turning point in modern computing, as it established the dominant computing architecture of the 20th century. It moved the x86 architecture to 32 bits, ended IBM’s control over the PC market, and made Compaq the architectural leader. The processor had a significant impact on the computer industry and became a huge success for Intel. The die photos reveal the changes made to the chip’s layout, including the move from a 1.5 µm process to a 1 µm process. The 386 processor was a major advancement over its predecessor, the 286, with more instructions and support for 4-gigabyte segments. It had a complicated design, with 285,000 transistors and eight logical units that operated autonomously. The die photos also show the internal structure of the 386 and the various functional blocks of the chip. The shrink from 1.5 µm to 1 µm reduced the die size by 60% and allowed for more efficient manufacturing. The 386 processor was later extended with the introduction of the 386 SX and 386 SL, which offered cost-effective solutions and power-saving features. The design process of the 386 involved the use
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