Imagine a computer so ancient that it predates the birth of most of us. That’s the reality of the Intel 4004, the first commercially produced microprocessor, born in 1971. Initially designed for calculators, this 4-bit chip seems like a relic in the era of powerful multi-core processors. But, Dmitry Grinberg, known for his feats of low-end computing, took on the challenge of building a ‘PC’ powered by this historical marvel, running the Linux operating system.
The result is a computer that defies the laws of time and speed. Booting up this retro rig takes a staggering 4.76 days. Yes, days. Even a simple ‘ls’ command, used to display a directory’s contents, requires a grueling 16 hours to process. The project is a testament to human ingenuity, but its impracticality makes it more of an artistic statement than a functional machine.
Grinberg, with a touch of humor, calls it an artistic project. He designed the board with a vintage aesthetic, featuring a VFD display and intentional hanging holes on the corners. The idea is to create a piece that slowly performs its tasks, adding a unique charm to a wall display.
If you’re curious to witness this computer’s glacial pace, there’s a time-lapse video available. Watch as the Windows clock slowly ticks by, reflecting the arduous journey of the 4-bit Intel 4004 trying to cope with a modern operating system. For an unedited experience, there’s an over 1 hour and 40 minutes long video captured at 0.5FPS but running at 120X the speed.
Grinberg’s blog post dives deeper into the technical details, outlining the history of the Intel 4004, its workings, and the intricate process of building the system and its emulation. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of computing, showcasing the remarkable strides we’ve made since the dawn of microprocessors.
