Product Overview
Intel A80960CF-25 Vintage Gold Microprocessor on Socketed Board (Used)
The Intel A80960CF-25 is a 32-bit RISC microprocessor from the i960 family, operating at 25MHz and mounted here in its original PGA socket on a vintage prototyping board. This untested processor is clean and visually in excellent condition, supplied with its socket assembly for preservation and display.
Released in the late 1980s, the Intel i960CF represented a leap forward in embedded performance. Its superscalar architecture could execute multiple instructions per clock cycle, a major advancement for its era. Known for efficiency and rugged engineering, it powered high-end control systems, networking gear, and early imaging applications. Today it stands as both a collectible artifact and a hallmark of Intel’s RISC innovation.
Product Condition
Untested, clean, and in very good cosmetic condition. Includes original PGA socket and attached prototyping board. No heatsink is included. Shows normal signs of careful storage.
Product Overview
The Intel i960CF-25 was one of the first superscalar embedded processors, integrating instruction and data caches alongside on-chip RAM. Its efficient RISC design offered high instruction throughput with minimal power draw. The CF revision expanded cache size and improved memory handling over earlier models, enabling faster execution in industrial and defense-grade systems.
Key Features
- Model: Intel A80960CF-25
- Clock speed: 25MHz
- Architecture: 32-bit RISC
- Instruction throughput: up to 3 instructions per cycle
- On-chip caches: 4KB instruction, 1KB data, 1KB data RAM
- Operating voltage: 5V
- Package: 168-pin PGA
- Gold-top vintage construction with integrated socket
- Designed for embedded control and industrial computing
Applications
- High-performance embedded control systems
- Network routers and bridges
- Industrial automation and robotics
- Imaging and graphics controllers
- Defense and avionics computing
- Retro computing restoration projects
- Collector and educational display use
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this processor functional?
It is untested and sold as a collectible or for technical reference. No power-up testing has been performed.
What distinguishes the i960CF model?
The CF variant adds larger instruction and data caches and improves write-through memory operations compared to earlier CA versions.
What packaging does it come with?
It remains mounted in its original PGA socket on a gold-tone prototyping board, suitable for safe handling or display.
Can it be used in modern systems?
It is not compatible with contemporary hardware but may be useful for retro system restoration or academic analysis of RISC architecture.
What voltage and interface does it use?
Operates at 5V with a 168-pin PGA layout typical of late 1980s microprocessors.
Once the workhorse of high-end embedded control, the i960CF-25 endures as a piece of computing history—its next story belongs to you.
