Cyrix 233MHz MediaGX™
MMX™-Enhanced Processor Powers Entry-Level Desktop PCs
Processor Delivers Premium Performance to Low-Cost Systems
Richardson, Texas -- March 18, 1998 -- Cyrix® Corporation, a National Semiconductor (NYSE: NSM) company, today announced the 233MHz MMX-enhanced MediaGX™ processor, delivering Pentium®-class performance for value-priced, full-featured PCs.
The MediaGX™ 233MHz processor, the highest-performance member of the Cyrix family of integrated processors, powers systems from IBM® Canada Ltd. and CyberMax, the Allentown, Pennsylvania-based direct seller of PCs.
Cyrix also highlighted several significant developments for the MediaGX™ platform, including Microsoft® Windows® CE capability and the support of major industry players, that reflect the rapid adoption of the processor's integrated technology.
"The Cyrix MediaGX™ technology continues to drive the forward integration of the x86 architecture," said Stan Swearingen, senior director of business management and marketing at Cyrix. "The MediaGX™ platform provides a compelling solution that the industry is strongly supporting. Today's announcements reinforce the MediaGX™ architecture's position as the most innovative technology for low-cost applications, ranging from Windows 95 PCs to Windows CE-based network PCs and set-top boxes to embedded applications, such as personal word processors and other information appliances."
233MHz MMX-Enhanced Power
"Cyrix's MediaGX™ family of processors allows PC vendors to offer systems appealing to the widest spectrum of home users, including first-time buyers, families wishing to add subsequent systems to their home networks, and SOHO users," said Jeff Kirke, development manager at IBM Canada Ltd. "The newly announced 233MHz processor continues Cyrix's fine tradition of highly integrated processors allowing manufacturers to offer an exciting blend of performance and value to customers."
CyberMax Computers, Inc., is the first U.S.-based direct seller to announce availability of desktop systems using the 233MHz MediaGX™ processor.
"The MediaGX™ processor enables CyberMax to offer customers Pentium-level performance in an entry-level desktop PC," said Frank Schwartz, new-products manager of CyberMax Computer, Inc. "At 233MHz, the MediaGX™ processor provides power for applications ranging from household financial management to educational titles to Internet surfing."
Windows CE Provided by BSQUARE
Supported by Major Industry Players
"Phoenix is happy to be able to play a major role in the implementation and deployment of this extremely creative and versatile technology," said Steve Andler, Phoenix vice president of marketing. "The MediaGX™ processors allow our OEM customers to target emerging segments of the market, including low-cost PCs and many home electronic applications."
MediaGX™ processors have gained industry recognition as a revolutionary integrated processor design enabling computer manufacturers to offer full-featured PCs in the fast-growing sub-$1,000 and sub-$800 consumer-desktop market segments and the sub-$2,000 notebook segment. The 233 MHz MediaGX™ processor for desktop systems is available now in a 320-pin SPGA package.
Cyrix Corporation
Cyrix is a registered trademark and MediaGX is a trademark of Cyrix Corporation, a subsidiary of National Semiconductor Corporation. Pentium is a registered trademark and MMX is a trademark of Intel Corporation. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Systems based on the MediaGX™ processor deliver the power and performance necessary to run today's most popular business and consumer applications, including multimedia titles. The new MediaGX™ 233MHz processor provides desktop PC manufacturers a powerful, MMX-enhanced processor that includes video and sound capabilities at a price point that will enable them to profitably add more features and expandability to systems priced well below $1,000.
Cyrix has teamed with Seattle-based BSQUARE, the largest supplier of software products and services for Windows CE platforms, to support Windows CE Version 2.0 on the MediaGX™ processor. Manufacturers developing MediaGX™ processor-based products for the Windows CE market can now work with BSQUARE to marry the operating system with the hardware platform.
"We've worked very closely with Cyrix to make Windows CE available for the MediaGX™ architecture," said William Baxter, president and CEO of BSQUARE. "This will enable OEMs to align their MediaGX™-based products with Microsoft's Windows CE roadmap. The combination of the MediaGX™ processor's integrated architecture and the ease-of-use features and power of Windows CE promises to deliver some very interesting and compelling products to the market."
Phoenix Technologies Ltd., Awards and Systemsoft, suppliers of compatibility software for PC products and information appliances, are supporting the MediaGX™ processor family.
Cyrix, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Semiconductor, is a leading supplier of innovative processor-based solutions that set new standards for the personal computer market. Cyrix delivers compelling value and quality to its customers, the manufacturers of personal computer products, by combining industry-leading design with world-class manufacturing. For more information, visit Cyrix's web site at www.cyrix.com.