The processor that changed the world of computing

On this day in 1982, Intel introduced its breakthrough product, the Intel 286 processor (also known as the 80286). This 16-bit chip was not just a faster version of its predecessors, it also introduced key innovations that enabled the rise of personal computers and laid the foundation for modern multitasking. It became the heart of the legendary IBM PC AT and sparked a wave of clones that brought computing to the masses.

Photo: Wikipedia

The Intel 286 was a technological marvel when it was released, packing 134,000 transistors onto a small surface area measuring about 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) wide. The chip operated at frequencies from 6 MHz to 12.5 MHz, which seems insignificant in 2026, but at the time represented a huge leap in performance. Intel's biggest innovation was the introduction of "Protected Mode," which allowed the processor to address up to 16 MB of memory, which was unthinkable at the time when typical systems only used 640 KB.

This product allowed Intel to dominate the market, being up to four times faster than its predecessor, the 8086, at the same frequency. Computers with the Intel 286 processor were typically housed in desktop cases about 21 inches (53.34 cm) long and cost around €4,500 (adjusted to today's value). Despite its high price, it was the first device to actually run more complex operating systems, such as early Windows or OS/2, and paved the way for software development on 12-inch (30.48 cm) screens.

Interestingly, Intel unwittingly created an entire industry with the Intel 286. Its popularity led to the emergence of clones from companies like AMD and Harris, offering even faster versions. Today, when our pocket processors measure just a few millimeters, the Intel 286 remains a symbol of the transition to the era of true personal computing power. Its legacy lives on in every x86 architecture we use in the year 2026, from office workstations to the latest gaming consoles.