The Intel 3101 - The First Memory Chip

About this Artwork

The Intel 3101 was the world’s first solid-state memory chip. Before the 3101, computer memory was primarily based on a technology called Core Memory. Core Memory consisted of wire matrices with tiny iron doughnuts that could be magnetized to represent ones and zeros. Instead of the bulky cores, the 3101 used microscopic semiconductor transistors built on a silicon wafer. The 3101 chip brought greater speed, less maintenance, less bulk, and less heat to computers. The Intel 3101 was also Intel’s first product. Other Silicon Valley companies were making logic chips. Intel decided to go another direction and focused on developing solid-state computer memory. Intel was successful with several different memory products before moving on to the microprocessor.

This artwork includes 3 major items. It has a large image of an Intel 3101 chip. On the back are the artist’s signature and a narrative describing the artwork and the 3101. Also, the artwork includes an Intel 3101 (P3101A, gray).

Framing: 

The artwork is framed in an 11"x 14" black shadow box frame, with glass. All framing materials are acid-free. A narrative about the artwork that includes the artist’s signature is placed on the back of the artwork.

Please note:  The look of the artifacts in the artworks may vary, each piece is unique.