The Evolution of the 486 Computer: From DX to Overdrive

## The Evolution of the 486 Computer: From DX to Overdrive

The Intel 486 processor, also known as i486 or 486, was the third generation of Intel’s x86 microprocessors. It followed the Intel 386 microprocessor and was succeeded by the Intel Pentium.

### Introduction

Released in 1989, the 486 set the standard for personal computing performance and brought about significant changes in how people used computers. The processor quickly became popular with home and business users alike due to its outstanding performance and compatibility with existing software.

In this article, we’ll dive into the evolution of the 486 computer, from the early days of the 486DX to the advancements in processing power that came with the 486 Overdrive.

### 486DX

The 486DX was the first version of the 486 processor to be released. It featured an on-chip FPU (Floating-Point Unit) for improved mathematical and scientific calculation performance. It also doubled the size of the on-board cache to 8KB, resulting in faster execution of instructions.

When it was released, the 486DX was considered a very fast processor, capable of handling complex applications and software with ease. This was a significant improvement over the earlier 386 processor, which lacked the computing power to run high-end software.

### 486SX

The 486SX was a cheaper version of the 486DX, but it came with some drawbacks. It lacked an FPU, meaning it couldn’t perform complex mathematical calculations as quickly as the 486DX. Furthermore, its cache size was reduced to 1KB, resulting in slower performance compared to the DX.

Despite its limitations, the 486SX was appealing to many consumers due to its lower price point. It allowed more people to join the personal computer revolution and access basic applications such as word processing and spreadsheet software.

### 486DX2

The 486DX2 was an upgrade to the 486DX, featuring a clock speed that was twice as fast. This allowed for even better performance, resulting in faster execution of software and applications. Another significant enhancement was its 16KB on-board cache, quadrupling the cache size compared to the original 486DX.

### 486DX4

The 486DX4 was the last version of the 486 processor. It featured a triple clock that ran at three times the speed of its internal bus. Furthermore, its on-chip cache was increased to 16KB, overall resulting in better performance.

### Overdrive

The Intel Overdrive was an add-on option to enhance the performance of existing 486SX and DX machines. It was designed to be a cheaper alternative to buying a new computer. The overdrive offered 33MHz, 40MHz, and even 50MHz clock speeds.

It was a revolutionary concept at the time, enabling users to boost the performance of their existing computer without investing in a new machine. The Overdrive was a cost-effective solution for users who wanted to improve their computing power.

### Conclusion

The 486 processor was a critical development in the evolution of personal computing. It represented a significant step forward in performance and brought about fundamental changes in how people used computers.

From the original 486DX to the powerful Overdrive, each iteration of the 486 processor contributed to a better computing experience. Today, we see the legacy of the 486 processor in the advanced technology we use every day.