This central processing unit, also known as an 80386 at 33 MHz, is the fastest type of 386 available. It was installed in some IBM-compatible computers during the 1990s.

The 386-33 was produced in both SX and DX versions; the DX version is faster, and is required to run Windows 95. Both types can run DOS, Windows 3.1, PC/GEOS, and GEM.

Such a CPU will seem slow under Windows 95, fast in 3.x or GEOS, and very fast under DOS. The 386-33 of processor cannot be used for Windows 98 or 2000.

Overall, computers that use this chip remain quite useful for many purposes, but only when adequately efficient software and operating systems are used.