Intel celebrates 50 years of the 8080 microprocessor, a pioneer in computing technology

Intel is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Intel 8080, the first general-purpose microprocessor. Launched in 1974, it marked a significant shift in computing by allowing versatile applications, unlike earlier chips designed for specific tasks. Modern processors, like Intel's Core Ultra 200S, have vastly outpaced the 8080 in performance. The Core Ultra contains 17.8 billion transistors compared to the 8080's 6,000, and it operates at speeds up to 5.8 GHz, compared to the 8080's initial 2 MHz. The Intel 8080 powered various devices, including PCs and arcade machines. Its architecture laid the groundwork for today's x86 processors, highlighting its lasting impact on computing technology.