<processor> (Commonly abbreviated to "386", trademark "Intel386") Intel's successor to the 80286 microprocessor. It was the first Intel processor with 32 bit data and address busses. It can address four gigabytes (2^32 bytes) of memory; however, 16 megabytes is a typical maximum in IBM PCs. The 386 allows multiple applications to run at the same time (when running under 386-specific operating systems) using "protected mode".
The first IBM-compatible to use the 386 was the Compaq 386, before IBM used it in high-end models of their PS/2 series. It is also used in HP's RS series and many others.
It does not require special EMS memory boards to expand MS-DOS memory limits. With the 386, the EMS standard can be simulated in normal extended memory, and all many DOS add-ons provide this "Expanded Memory Manager" feature.
See also Intel 80386SX, BSD386.
(21 Feb 1995)