The new 5x86 architectural core rivals the performance of the Pentium® processor. The design goal for the 5x86 processor family is to drive performance up and power consumption down, achieving compelling system performance while consuming only half the power of competing alternatives. Fifth-generation architectural features were carefully evaluated and selected for their contribution toward maximum efficiency, performance and simplicity of design. In the 5x86 architectural core, fifth-generation features such as a 64-bit internal architecture, branch prediction, multiple operations per clock made possible by a decoupled load/store unit and data forwarding are combined with an 80-bit floating point unit and 16K unified write-back cache. Aggressive power management features, including system management mode (SMM), conserve power within the processor as well as power flowing to system peripherals.
The first member of the 5x86 processor family offers system manufacturers simple and cost-effective system integration by combining fifth-generation features with easy insertion into 32-bit platforms. This highlights the company's strategy to design next-generation processor architectures that leverage existing system designs. Additionally, the 5x86 processor family roadmap includes versions for the 64-bit platform.
"Cyrix is bringing to market an exciting fifth-generation processor, with a highly efficient 64-bit internal core, that leverages existing system designs," said Steve Tobak, vice president of corporate marketing at Cyrix. "Our customers obtain performance rivaling the Pentium with extremely low power consumption in a market-ready solution."
"The 5x86 processor leverages Cyrix's architectural skills resulting in a relatively small die, which lowers cost and power consumption while providing entry level Pentium-class performance in the cost-effective 486 footprint," said Martin Reynolds, director of technology assessment at Dataquest. "We expect the product to be very successful in the notebook market where it will enable manufacturers to reach price-performance points not possible with a Pentium system."
ASE, Chicony, Dataexpert, FIC and Veridata are among the more than fifteen Cyrix customers showing pre-production versions of 5x86-based systems at Computex. While both notebook and desktop products will be on display, 5x86-based notebook systems are expected to draw considerable attention as a result of the processor's ease of integration and strong power management features.
A number of leading OEMs, including EPSON, also plan to embrace the Cyrix 5x86 processor in upcoming products. "As one of the first customers to use Cyrix microprocessors, EPSON will implement the 5x86 processor in our future products allowing us to deliver value and performance to our customers," said Michael DeNeffe, director, PC product management, EPSON.
Initial production of the Cyrix 5x86 processor at 100 MHz is expected in the third quarter, 1995. The company also expects to enhance its 5x86 processor family roadmap with increased frequencies as well as a 64-bit version in subsequent quarters. The 100 MHz 5x86 processor will initially be priced at $147 in 1K unit quantities.
Additionally, the M1, Cyrix's high-performance superscalar sixth-generation microprocessor, was recently demonstrated at 100 MHz in desktop PCs. The M1 is on track to ship production in the third quarter, 1995.
Founded in 1988, Cyrix Corporation designs, develops and manufactures high-performance microprocessors for the personal computer industry. With its demonstrated ability to bring innovative, next-generation processors to market, Cyrix aggressively competes at the forefront of microprocessor technology.
Cyrix Corporation is headquartered in Richardson, Texas. Sales and support offices are located in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.
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