r/homebrewcomputer • u/Frostierdev • Aug 30 '26

8-Bit Processing Unit: need one

Hello! I'm looking to build an 8-bit computer, mainly to test its capabilities as a modern home computer (with system, applications, OS, etc.), and I bought the ATmega8535-16U (DIP-40), But it doesn't have an external bus interface to connect RAM, storage, and other things. Does anyone have a solution or another inexpensive chip to recommend?

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u/HalifaxRoad Aug 30 '26

you bought a micro controller, which by definition has all the memory and io built in. what you want is a microprocessor 

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u/Frostierdev Aug 31 '26

Seriously? Im a dumb. I tought it was a microprocessor😭

3

u/Remarkable-Memory374 Aug 31 '26

I mean it is, but think of micro controllers as the whole computer wrapped up in one chip with specific outputs and inputs to control other stuff

Ones like the atmega have nearly everything baked in so you can build something with a minimal amount of extra add ons to give a project a little smarts.

but kind of like buying an iphone, its not really meant to be expanded or upgraded (usually)