z386 is an open-source implementation of the Intel 80386 processor that uses the original microcode, implemented in SystemVerilog. The project aims to be cycle-accurate and compatible with real 386 hardware, making it valuable for retrocomputing and educational purposes. It represents a significant achievement in hardware preservation and reverse engineering of historical computer architectures.
Background
The Intel 80386, released in 1985, was a groundbreaking 32-bit microprocessor that became the foundation for modern x86 architecture. Open-source implementations of historical processors help preserve computing history and enable educational exploration of computer architecture.
- Source
- Hacker News (RSS)
- Published
- May 23, 2026 at 10:25 PM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10