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Developer Creates DIY 8-Bit CPU

Posted by Soulskill on from the now-that's-impressive dept.

MaizeMan writes "Not for the easily distracted: a Belmont software developer's hand-built CPU was featured in Wired recently. Starting with a $50 wire wrap board, Steve Chamberlin built his CPU with 1253 pieces of wire, each wire wrapped by hand at both ends. Chamberlin salvaged parts from '70s and '80s era computers, and the final result is an 8-bit processor with keyboard input, a USB connection, and VGA graphical output. More details are available on the developer's blog."

4 of 187 comments (clear)

  1. I can do 2^1 better by physicsphairy · · Score: 5, Funny

    I own a two-bit computer. My dad gave it to me. I know it is two bits because before he gave it to me he would often remark "I hate this ******* two bit computer."

    (Yes, it is also reproductive.)

    --
    When things get complex, multiply by the complex conjugate.
  2. Re:A lenient definition of "make" by jcr · · Score: 4, Funny

    The functional components are all off-the-shelf TTL ICs.

    Well, he is only one person, after all. Even if he was studly enough to build it from vacuum tubes, he probably wouldn't be winding his own filaments.

    -jcr

    --
    The only title of honor that a tyrant can grant is "Enemy of the State."
  3. Correct! Six thousand cores by Dachannien · · Score: 5, Funny

    built his CPU with 1253 pieces of wire

    Farnsworth: Let me show you around. That's my lab table, and this is my work stool, and over there is my intergalactic spaceship. And here is where I keep assorted lengths of wire.
    Fry: Whoa! A real live space ship!
    Farnsworth: I designed it myself. Let me show you some of the different lengths of wire I used.

  4. Watchout Intel by mgblst · · Score: 5, Funny

    It is about time that Intel has some competition.