Remember the 486, Intel’s 1989 flagship CPU that was the first x86 chip with over a million transistors? Gelsinger was the lead architect. Later, he became Intel’s first CTO, helping push industry standard technologies like USB and Wi-Fi as well as Intel chip design. Just how bad was it before Gelsinger took the top job?

"Mr. Gelsinger's sudden departure leaves us unsure of the strategic path ahead for Intel," one analyst says, capturing a common sentiment.

Intel unexpectedly announced that CEO Pat Gelsinger has retired from the company and stepped down from the board of directors.

Pat Gelsinger spent most of his career at Intel, then came back in 2021 to turn the company around. Now he says he’s retiring, effective immediately.