AMD first entered the CPU market with reverse-engineered Intel 8080 clone 50 years ago — the Am9080 cost 50 cents apiece to make, but sold for $700
50 years ago, AMD entered the CPU market with the Am9080, a reverse-engineered clone of the Intel 8080. Despite its shady origins, AMD's chip became a foundation for their future success. The Am9080, costing only 50 cents to make, was sold for $700 each to military customers, leading to significant profits for AMD. In 1976, AMD signed a licensing agreement with Intel, allowing them to become a 'second source' for the 8080, setting the stage for future collaborations between the two companies. The Am9080 variants, running at speeds up to 4.0 MHz, showcased AMD's advancements in chip-making technology.
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