The z386 project aims to implement the Intel 80386 processor core on an FPGA. Recent optimizations have significantly improved its performance, including the implementation of early start memory access and a reduction in branch jump cycles from 9.25 down to six through microcode refinements. These changes resulted in approximately a 39% increase in DOOM benchmark scores, though the project still falls short of original hardware speed and cannot yet boot Windows.
- Implementation of early start memory access for FPGA cores
- Optimization of store queues and branch jump timing
- Significant performance gains in gaming benchmarks
- Implementation of early start memory access for FPGA cores
- Optimization of store queues and branch jump timing
- Significant performance gains in gaming benchmarks
A detailed examination of the Pentium's ×3 circuit, explaining its purpose, implementation, and the advanced techniques used to maximize performance.
A tribute to the Z80 microprocessor, which has been discontinued after 48 years. The article discusses the history of the Z80, from its creation at Intel to its eventual departure from the market.
An international collaboration, a lot of hand-soldering, and incremental debugging
