The Intel 286 CPU was introduced on this day in 1982 — 16-bit x86 chip introduced protected mode memory, and would power the IBM PC/AT and a tidal wave of clones

In 1982, Intel launched the 80286 processor, a 16-bit x86 chip that brought significant performance and architectural advancements over its predecessors. Featuring protected mode memory and multitasking capabilities, the 80286 powered the IBM PC/AT and numerous clones, becoming a staple in PC systems until the 1990s. With 134,000 transistors and support for up to 16MB of memory, the 80286 also offered optional math coprocessor for enhanced performance in tasks like CAD and scientific software. The processor's popularity surged after IBM's PC/AT release in 1984, and by 1988, Intel had shipped 10 million 80286 chips.