The first microprocessors were very different from each other. Although constrained by similar chip making technologies and transistor counts. The architectures of the first microprocessors were very different. Since these first devices were relatively simple, due to limitations in transistors available on the chip, they were more built for specific applications. The first single chip microprocessor, the Intel 4004, was designed to operate a calculator. However, because it was a general design, it could be used for other simple applications, but it was not suitable for realtime data processing, nor processing large amounts of data. Architectures varied wildly, each using their limited transistors to optimize for their intended function. Microprocessor designers were pioneers Standing on the shoulders of mainframe computer designers and previous chip technologists, they jammed and crammed transistors onto chips in ways never before possible. From a historical perspective, this was a fundamental gateway to the computing power that we take for granted.
The tables below contain the microprocessors’ manufacturer and the year and quarter they were introduced.
| Year | Qtr | Intel | Rockwell | National | NEC | Mostek | Motorola |
| 1971 | 1Q | ||||||
| 2Q | |||||||
| 3Q | |||||||
| 4Q | 4004 |
| 1972 | 1Q | 8008 | |||||
| 2Q | |||||||
| 3Q | PPS-4 | ||||||
| 4Q |
| 1973 | 1Q | IMP-16 | uPD751 | ||||
| 2Q | |||||||
| 3Q | |||||||
| 4Q |
| 1974 | 1Q | 8080 | 5065 | ||||
| 2Q | 6800 | ||||||
| 3Q | 3000 | ||||||
| 4Q | 4040 |
| Year | Qtr | Toshiba | GI |
| 1971 | 1Q | ||||||
| 2Q | |||||||
| 3Q | |||||||
| 4Q |
| 1972 | 1Q | ||||||
| 2Q | |||||||
| 3Q | |||||||
| 4Q |
| 1973 | 1Q | ||||||
| 2Q | |||||||
| 3Q | |||||||
| 4Q |
| 1974 | 1Q | ||||||
| 2Q | TLCS-12A (T3190) | ||||||
| 3Q | CP1600 | ||||||
| 4Q |