Intel 8080: The Microprocessor That Changed the World

Fifty years ago, the Intel 8080 microprocessor launched, marking a pivotal moment in computing history. Unlike its predecessors designed for specific clients, the 8080 was the first truly general-purpose microprocessor. Its efficiency, power, and flexible 40-pin configuration made it easier to connect to other components and integrated functions previously requiring multiple chips. Priced at just $360, the 8080 democratized computing, making it accessible to businesses and individuals alike. This spurred the mass adoption of personal computers, created new categories of silicon-powered devices, and boosted programming as a crucial skill. Its legacy continues today; the 8080 directly inspired the x86 architecture, now the world's most widely used computing architecture.