Cyrix Adds P200+ to Award-Winning 6x86 Processor Family
Advanced System Design Enables Industry's First 75 MHz System Bus
Richardson, Texas -- June 3, 1996 -- Cyrix Corporation (NASDAQ: CYRX) today announced its 6x86P200+ processor, which outperforms Intel's 200 MHz Pentium® processor on industry-standard, application-based benchmarks. Cyrix also achieved a new milestone for personal computing by enabling a 75 MHz system bus to allow PC manufacturers to deliver previously unattainable desktop performance.
Setting the Performance Pace
Cyrix continues to challenge Intel's performance leadership on the desktop. Independent test results of the 6x86-P133+, P150+ and P166+ processors have established the performance leadership of the 6x86 over the Pentium in each performance class. To validate the P200 performance rating, MDR Labs performed tests for Cyrix using similarly configured platforms and reported the 6x86-P200+ achieved 91.6 on the Winstone® 96 benchmark versus 89.0 for the 200 MHz Pentium. Announced separately today, Cyrix Systems Group's high-end 6x86-P200 configuration scored a record 100.5 on Winstone, as tested by Cyrix.
"The 6x86-P200+ delivers the industry's highest performance for advanced users running multimedia and professional applications," said Lew Paceley, vice president of product marketing at Cyrix. These performance levels are achieved by combining Cyrix's advanced 6x86 design with IBM Microelectronics' world-class five-level CMOS technology.
Cyrix and the PC Infrastructure Achieve 75 MHz System Bus
Working closely with system component vendors, Cyrix has overcome the three-year-old 66 MHz bus speed limitation and has enabled the industry's first 75 MHz system bus. This move highlights Cyrix's role as technology driver for the PC infrastructure. All PC manufacturers designing 6x86-P200+ PCs now have access to this technology to bring the most powerful mainstream desktops to market.
VLSI Technology's Lynx chipset, available today, is first to support Cyrix's 75 MHz bus 6x86-P200+ processor. "VLSI's new chipset combined with the 6x86 processor provides unprecedented performance for mainstream desktops," said Don Maulsby, group vice president, computing products group at VLSI Technology.
Other chipset companies expected to support the new bus are OPTi, SiS and VIA Technologies.
Platform for Longevity
The next version of the 6x86 processor is code-named M2 and is expected to be in production in early 1997. The M2 leverages existing 6x86 platforms, providing purchasers of today's 6x86 systems an easy upgrade path to optimum 32-bit Windows® NT and MMX multimedia performance.
"The future's built in for consumers buying top-performing 6x86 desktops today," said Steve Tobak, vice president of corporate marketing at Cyrix. "Cyrix is offering users a solution that doesn't lock them out of future technology."
Pricing and Availability
The 6x86-P200+ processor is now in limited production, priced at $499 in quantities of 1,000. Volume production is planned for early August.
Cyrix Corporation
Cyrix Corporation, headquartered in Richardson, Texas, is a leading supplier of high-performance processors and systems to the personal computer industry. Founded in 1988, the company designs, manufactures and markets innovative x86 software-compatible processors for the desktop and mobile computer markets. The Cyrix 6x86 processor was recently recognized for its performance with awards from a number of publications, including Byte Magazine's Best Technology at CeBIT '96, PC Week's Corporate IT Excellence Award and Windows Sources' Stellar Award.
Cyrix is a registered trademark and 6x86 processor is a trademark of Cyrix Corporation. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Note to editors: On June 3, 1996 a complete performance report of the 6x86-P200+ done by MDR Labs will be located on their Web site at http://www.chipanalyst.com. Other information about Cyrix 6x86 processors and 6x86-based PCs can be obtained from the Cyrix Web site or by contacting CyrixFax at (800) 462-9749.
