# CPU8 — Ben Eater SAP-1 8-Bit Computer

> Simulates an 8-bit breadboard computer for learning computer architecture. (iPhone/iPad app by Cordova Bay Entertainment Group, Inc.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cpu8/id1448776028 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Cordova Bay Entertainment Group, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1448776027)
- Category: Education, Reference
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 14 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 163 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2019-06-26
- Data updated: 2026-06-07
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cpu8/id1448776028/reviews.md

## What is CPU8?

Students or software programmers who want to learn how computers work will love this app. 
CPU8 simulates the SAP-1 (Simple As Possible) 8-bit bread board computer that was famously the star of a series of videos by Ben Eater.
Using it, you can control a fully realized computer that utilizes microcode to illustrate the operation of individual computer instructions and their interrelationships with general purpose registers, program counters, memory registers, instruction registers, bus and memory through "control words".
In addition, CPU8 contains an assembler that allows you to write programs and convert them into the machine language of the included simulated computer. A full programming manual is included.
Write, assemble and run programs using this 8-bit computer to see how the process works from start to finish.

FEATURES
- Assembler for the 8-bit computer (with manual)
- the 8-bit computer simulator 
- 16 instructions - 3 pseudo  instructions - 16 address spaces
- control the speed of the simulated computer clock
- single step through programs or run to the end
- 7 sample assembler programs to get started
- links to all the Ben Eater design and teaching videos
- A short history of computing through the ages (37 chapters)

Suitable for classroom study, independent study or just for the sheer enjoyment of playing with a computer that you can watch and learn from. No individual information is accessed.

Oh, did we mention it has wonderful flashing lights!

## Key features

- 8-bit computer simulator
- Built-in assembler with manual
- Control clock speed and single-step execution
- 16 instructions and 3 pseudo-instructions
- 7 sample assembler programs
- Links to Ben Eater videos
- History of computing content

## Recent user reviews (3 of 3)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cpu8/id1448776028/reviews.md

### 5/5 — My Favorite App

*2022-05-20*

Ever since I was a primary student, I’ve been obsessed with programming. Started with prewritten block-code sites (I was introduced to Code.org and Scratch in a 6th-grade CS class), then progressed to more intermediate languages like JavaScript and C++. After watching a video about Boolean logic, I realized that I needed to learn more about the underlying technology in order to get a deeper understanding of the subject I love.
My initial plan was to disassemble random Win32 executables on my desktop, like cmd, but I didn’t really know anything about compiling at the time; all of my attempts ended in failure. Ended up postponing my interests for a few months, until I landed a spot in an IT class. It was the first time that I was intimately introduced to the hardware that makes up a PC, and I instantly became intrigued by the systems and techniques that allow it to function. Began researching the fundamentals of microprocessors and dynamic memory, and I’m currently working on my own 8-bit demo in JavaScript!
Ultimately, the biggest struggle in my journey was commercialization. Having to wade through dozens of those awful PowerPoint-style processor diagrams just to find a useful guide was awful. Almost every nugget of information I found on the web was either totally oversimplified (likely designed for marketing purposes rather than to actually educate) or ridiculously complex (circuit schematics for legitimate engineers, not hobbyists like myself). It took me years just to get a solid grasp on the concept of machine code.
But stuff like this are what kept me going. Small, yet practical articles and videos created by someone with the same fondness for low-level tech that I possess. Someone who isn’t just trying to make a quick buck, but instead genuinely seeks to inform their audience. They’re like little trail markers, guiding the way for those who dream of following in their footsteps.
This is my favorite app. Download it for yourself to figure out why. Even if you never assemble a single program, the information that it contains will last you a lifetime.

**Developer response:** This is fabulous! Glad you like the app so much. Hopefully, it will lead you to more assembler based environments and programming.

### 1/5 — I really want to like this app…

*2021-03-15*

This application is impressive, and the developer shows a great deal of passion in the implementation. However, if you are visually-impaired it is completely in accessible. Starting from the main screen onward, there are several obstacles to using it if you are low - vision or blind.

I attempted to navigate the developers website, but again the color scheme was too difficult to make that a possibility.

It is my sincere hope that these minor design issues can be corrected, because I see this as a very useful learning tool.

**Developer response:** As it turns out, the developer is visually impaired. He does the best he can. Sorry the experience is so bad for you. 

You can also adjust via “Accessibility” in “Settings”. The app will adjust to many accessibility settings to help those visually impaired.

### 5/5 — Nice tool to go along with the build

*2019-07-05*

Only problem I’m having is there is no sound with your hint videos. The Ben Eater YouTube videos are fine. Tried on two different phones. iPhone X and Xs MAX. Thanks for putting this App out.

**Developer response:** The hint videos were not recorded with sound. They are in keeping with the idea of hints. 

There is a bit more detail at: http://www.peskymooseandsquirrel.com/CPU8Support.html

## Frequently asked questions about CPU8

### What is CPU8?

CPU8 is an application that simulates the SAP-1 8-bit breadboard computer, famously featured in Ben Eater's videos. It allows users to learn computer architecture by writing, assembling, and running programs on a simulated machine.

### Who is CPU8 designed for?

CPU8 is suitable for students, software programmers, and anyone interested in understanding how computers work at a fundamental level. It can be used for classroom study, independent learning, or personal enjoyment.

### Does CPU8 have ads?

No, CPU8 does not contain advertisements. It is a completely free application with no ads to interrupt the learning experience.

### What programming features does CPU8 offer?

CPU8 includes an assembler that converts your programs into machine language for the simulated 8-bit computer. You can then write, assemble, and run these programs to see the entire process from start to finish.

### Can I control the simulation speed in CPU8?

Yes, CPU8 allows you to control the speed of the simulated computer clock. You can also single-step through your programs or run them to completion, providing flexibility in how you observe the execution.

### What educational content is included with CPU8?

CPU8 comes with a full programming manual for its assembler, 7 sample assembler programs to help you get started, and links to all of Ben Eater's design and teaching videos. It also includes a 37-chapter history of computing.

### What devices is CPU8 available on?

CPU8 is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, making it accessible for learning on the go or in a classroom setting.

### How often is CPU8 updated?

The latest version of CPU8 is 2.10, which was last updated on September 18, 2024. This indicates regular maintenance and potential for new features or improvements.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.10 — 2024-09-18

CPU Engine Updates.
New History Section: Input/Output Peripherals.
Visual Improvements plus bug fixes.

### 2.9 — 2024-05-29

Added progress display for Flags
New History Sections: Human Computers & Computers And Numbers.
Additional information is History timeline adding  key developments in 2024.
Updated credits, copyright and general housekeeping.
Visual Improvements plus bug fixes.

### 2.8 — 2023-10-31

History Time Line updated plus general application updates and improvements

### 2.7 — 2023-06-05

Added new History section entitled: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning plus misc updates and improvements.

### 2.6 — 2023-02-21

History now includes a section on Copyrights and Patents.

Misc improvements, enhancements and fixes.

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## More apps by Cordova Bay Entertainment Group, Inc

- [CPU8 Plus](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cpu8-plus/id1518324298)
- [CPU8 Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cpu8-pro/id1604002192)

All apps by Cordova Bay Entertainment Group, Inc: https://appshunter.io/developer/1448776027

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-07.*