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Polls Z80 Vs. 6502 (POLL)
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  • Author Author: electrorubixtech
  • Date Created: 4 Feb 2018 1:28 PM Date Created
  • Last Updated Last Updated: 11 Oct 2021 2:58 PM
  • Views 1123 views
  • Likes 1 like
  • Comments 15 comments
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Z80 Vs. 6502 (POLL)

Z80 and 6502 really popular cpus butf which one is better in support, availability and ease of use things i want to make both of them can handle but the availability and the documentation is the important part for me

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Top Comments

  • DAB
    DAB over 7 years ago in reply to electrorubixtech +5
    Yes, but the differences in the architecture also means that the tools and learning curve is different for both processors. I will admit, I have no idea how the current development tools are to use. What…
  • DAB
    DAB over 7 years ago +4
    I have used both processors. They have different types of architectures, so you really cannot compare the two until you establish your project requirements. Each architecture has advantages depending upon…
  • mistermagoo
    mistermagoo over 7 years ago +2
    If I'm not mistaken, the TI-83 and up uses/used an instruction set based on, if not similar to, the Z-80's.
  • DAB
    DAB over 4 years ago

    The Z80 is a second generation product, so it is not a fair comparison.

    The 6502 was a first generation product with some interesting features.

    I still have one around her somewhere.

     

    DAB

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  • dang74
    dang74 over 4 years ago

    I have a soft spot for the 6502 because it and its variants were in my favourite computers and gaming consoles from when I was growing up, and I've used it for 'home projects'.  However, the 6502 is hard to interface with because it is not very generous with its data and address hold times on writes.  I think it's read/write direction bit hold timing is the same as its data/address hold timing.  I have not dug too deeply into the Z80 but it's prevalence in early 80s arcade boards suggests to me that it is easier to work with as far as hardware design goes.

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  • javagoza
    javagoza over 4 years ago

    I can't choose, I have fond memories of both of them. I had a Sinclair ZX81 and built an Elektor Junior Computer based on the 6502, then I had an Apple IIe as a teenager. In assembly I was more comfortable with the Z80 but spent more time programming the 6502.

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  • amd_ryzen_9
    amd_ryzen_9 over 4 years ago

    The z80 is better. it has a higher maximum speed, more registers, a 16-bit stack, whereas the 6502's is only 8-bit, and is CP/M compatible.

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  • afmishaq
    afmishaq over 7 years ago

    Used both long time ago. Did a lot of projects in assembly language using S-100 bus SBCs. Anyone remember Cromemco?

     

    Faiz

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  • Fred27
    Fred27 over 7 years ago

    I fondly remember coding my BBC Micro in Basic and assembly. I even wrote an assembly emulator in Basic at one point to hep debug some complex assembly. That seems completely the wrong way round, but it worked.

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  • jack.chaney56
    jack.chaney56 over 7 years ago

    Also used both, mostly assembly level programming. The Z80 was favored for instruction set, but the 6502 was so simple it made many operations (particularly data moving) very easy. Plus Apple II, Atari, and Commodore ran 6502.

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  • dougw
    dougw over 7 years ago

    The Z80 is more powerful and more complex - both hardware and software are more complex. Sometimes the extra complexity makes things easier, but generally you have to go through a steeper learning curve to get there. If you want a more powerful system go with Z80, if simplicity is more important go with 6502. Note that both CPUs have companion chips that can really simplify system design.

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  • briang61uk
    briang61uk over 7 years ago in reply to mistermagoo

    Yep. TI-83,84,85 & 86 calculators are all Z80 compatible processor based.

    TI-92 series, TI-89 series and Voyage 200 are Motorola MC68EC000 based.

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  • electrorubixtech
    electrorubixtech over 7 years ago in reply to DAB

    thanks for the comments i think i will go with Z80 because of the votes and my research.

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