The Z80 CPU: Powering the Best Loved Home Computers and Consoles of the 80s and 90s

In this video, we take a nostalgic journey back to the 1980s and early 1990s, exploring the iconic Z80 CPU.
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This microprocessor was the heart of some of the most beloved home computers and gaming consoles of the era, including the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, the Amstrad CPC, the Sega Master System, and many more.
In this video, join us as we delve into the history of the Z80 as Zilog rolls the last of the chips off the production line some 46 years after its initial launch.
I talk about its architecture and its significant impact on the world of computing and gaming. We’ll uncover why this 8bit CPU became a favourite among hobbyists and developers, and how it helped shape the early days of personal computing.

What you’ll learn:
• The origins, people involved and the development of the Z80 CPU
• Key features, performance and technical specifications
• Notable computers and consoles that used the Z80
• The influence of the Z80 on modern computing
• Fun facts and lesserknown trivia about the Z80

Whether you’re a retro computing enthusiast, a tech historian, or just curious about the technology that fueled the golden age of home computing, this video is for you!

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#Z80 #RetroComputing #HomeComputers #GamingHistory #TechNostalgia
00:00 Introduction
02:23 Part I: Federico's Foray
02:36 The 4004, 8008 and 8080
04:53 Zilog: The beginnings
05:34 The Z80
07:41 The 6502 competition
08:18 Japanese copycats
08:59 Part II: Z80 Machines we loved
10:36 CP/M and the Z80 Softcard
11:22 Part III: Performance
13:46 Part IV: An enduring legacy
14:25 Z8000 & Z80's legacy