Math coprocessor

Updated: 11/13/2018 by Computer Hope
Intel Math coprocessor i387 DX

Alternatively called numeric coprocessor or a floating-point coprocessor. The math coprocessor was an optional add-on for the Intel 8086, 80386 and 80486 processors that allowed computers to perform faster mathematical calculations, increasing its overall performance.

Today, all computer processors are released with a math coprocessor incorporated onto the processor. Below is a listing of earlier computer processors and their coprocessors.

Processor Coprocessor
8086 8087
8088 8087
80286 80287
80386SX 80387SX
80386SL 80387SX
80386SLC 80387SX
80486SLC 80387SX
80486SLC2 80387SX
80386DX 80387DX
80486SX 80487SX, DX2/Overdrive
80487SX Included FPU (floating-point unit)
80486SX2 DX2/Overdrive

Coprocessor, CPU terms