Launched in 1986, the 80386, or i386, was the first 32-bit processor in Intel's x86 line-up. It was also Intel's first CMOS processor, a way of building chips which required much less power to run than the older NMOS process.

It was also arguably only Intel's second new CPU to be deliberately targetted squarely at the PC market, as many of its previous processors right up to the 80286 had often been launched with different markets in mind - the 286 was intended as a telecoms processor, whilst the 8080 and its derivatives were envisaged as embedded processors.

By now though, Intel had realised where the market was. Since its 8088 had been chosen by IBM for its 5150 PC, the x86 line - with the exception of 5-10% of the market using Motorola's 680x0 - was the only game in town. 

However, that didn't stop IBM from ignoring the 386 for a while, leaving it to Compaq and its Deskpro 386 to become the first company to make the technological leap, and in doing so help to establish IBM PC clones as the dominant force.