z386: An Open-Source 80386 Built Around Original Microcode
The z386 project aims to implement an Intel i386 CPU on an FPGA using original microcode. This approach ensures close compatibility with the original hardware, despite the complexity of the 80386 compared to earlier models. Currently, z386 runs on various FPGAs and can execute software like games, serving as an archaeological reconstruction rather than a performance-driven project.
- ▪The z386 project utilizes original microcode to implement an Intel i386 CPU on an FPGA.
- ▪It is designed to ensure compatibility with the original hardware, despite the complexity of the 80386.
- ▪Z386 currently operates on several FPGAs and can run software such as games like DOOM.
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| Original publisher | Hackaday |
| Canonical URL | https://hackaday.com/2026/05/25/z386-an-open-source-80386-built-around-original-microcode/ |
| Publication time | Mon, 25 May 2026 23:00:23 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-25T23:02:40.539Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-25T23:02:40.539Z |
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Z386: An Open-Source 80386 Built Around Original Microcode No comments by: Maya Posch May 25, 2026 Title: Copy Short Link: Copy There are many ways you can implement an Intel i386 CPU on an FPGA, with the use of original microcode probably being one of the most interesting approaches. This is what [nand2mario]’s z386 project does, with a recent blog post summarizing development on this FPGA project so far. This project is similar to the previously developed z8086 project, which as one may guess does something similar, except for the Intel 8086 CPU. By executing the original microcode you’re basically guaranteeing close compatibility with the original hardware, though of course the sheer scale of this microcode between an 8086 and 80386 is quite different.
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