586class

The 586class refers to a group of computer processors manufactured by AMD. Specifically, it denotes a family of x86 microprocessors that were released in the early to mid-1990s. The most prominent member of this class is the AMD 586, often referred to as the AMD Am586. This processor was a significant competitor to Intel's Pentium line of processors during its era.

The 586class processors were designed as pin-compatible replacements for Intel's 486 processors, offering improved performance at competitive price points. They featured enhanced architectures compared to the previous 486 generation, including a more advanced pipelined design and larger on-chip caches. This allowed them to achieve higher clock speeds and execute instructions more efficiently.

The Am586 processor, in particular, gained a reputation for its strong performance, often outperforming equivalent Intel 486 processors. It was available in various clock speeds, catering to different performance needs and market segments. The success of the 586class helped AMD establish a stronger foothold in the competitive CPU market and demonstrated their ability to innovate and compete with larger manufacturers. These processors were commonly found in desktop computers and workstations of the mid-1990s.