Page "Intel 8088" Paragraph 5

The original IBM PC was the most influential microcomputer to use the 8088.

It used a clock frequency of 4. 77 MHz ( 4 / 3 the NTSC colorburst frequency ).

Some of IBM's engineers and other employees wanted to use the IBM 801 processor, some would prefer the new Motorola 68000, while others argued for a small and simple microprocessor, such as the MOS Technology 6502 or Zilog Z80, which had been used in earlier personal computers.

However, IBM already had a history of using Intel chips in its products and had also acquired the rights to manufacture the 8086 family.

Another factor was that the 8088 allowed the computer to be based on a modified 8085 design, as it could easily interface with most nMOS chips with 8-bit databuses, i. e. existing and mature, and therefore economical, components.

This included ICs originally intended for support and peripheral functions around the 8085 and similar processors ( not exclusively Intels ) which were already well known by many engineers, further reducing cost.