CPUs: Intel 80186 and 80188

The Intel 80186 is based on the earlier 8086 CPU with the same 20-bit address bus as the 8086, allowing it to access up to 1 MB of memory. Introduced in 1982, the 80186 and 80188 are fully code compatible with the 8086 and 8088, but they also introduced 10 new instruction types.

This CPU was intended more for use in embedded systems than in personal computers, although a few PCs were built around the 80186. Clock speed started at 6 MHz and topped out at 25 MHz by the end of its product life in 2007. Many instructions executed more quickly on the 80186 than on the 8086.

The new CPU made its way into a few personal computers but was not widely used. Several of the models listed here were targeted at the education market.

The 80186 was also used in the BBC Master 512. It was also used in the Orchid Technology PC Turbo 186 accelerator for the original IBM PC.

Next: Intel 80286

Intel CPU Series: 8080/Z-80, 8086/88, 80186/88, 80286, 80386, 80486, Pentium, Pentium MMX, Pentium Pro, Pentium II, Pentium III, Pentium 4, Pentium D, Pentium M/Core Duo, Core 2 Duo, Core i

Further Reading

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