Whatever Happened to Cyrix?

[Cygnus-X1]

Whatever Happened to Cyrix?
Just curious.
Anyone got any good info out there?

Robert http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Richard_Cranium72]

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Category/category_slc.asp?id=120803

They are still alive producing frying pans and pretty good CPU's

This message is being brought to you by a Cyrix MII 433 w/384mb RAM & 15gb 7200rpm IBM

With the reduction of Intel and AMD chips, Cyrix is having a hard time peddeling their low-performance and not too inexpensive CPU's

IMHO anyway http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif)

DrVette

[Yar1182]

didn't they get bought out by VIA?

[RobRich]

The majority of Cyrix holdings were acquired by VIA Technologies. VIA is currently marketing a processor linu-up of hybrid of Cyrix and Centaur Winchip products. The Socket370 Cyrix III proved to be a moderate performing cpu. For comparision, imagine a chip with the integer performance of of a Celeron with the FPU performance of a M-II. Not exactly a great solution, but the Cyrix III is a dirt cheap solution.

The latest VIA C3 (do not confuse with the Cyrix 3!) offers slightly better returns. It features an upgraded FPU design, plus now offers a 64KB L2 cache for improved execution and memory transfer performance.

The C3 chip is manufactuered with a .15m fabrication process. The actual power dissipation is a fraction of comparable clocked Intel and AMD offerings. Many review sites have been able to operate a C3 with only a minimum spec heatsink (no fan!). Next generation chips are to offer larger L2 caches (upto 256KB), improved clock speeds (800-1000+ MHz), and smaller die sizes (~.13 micron).

VIA is not interested in competition with the big two in regards to processor marketing. The latest round of VIA chips are being marketed towards integrated solutions, such as terminals and kiosks. However, you can still readily purchase these chips at the retail level (check out pricewatch).

One positive note, atleast VIA does not lock their processors. The multiplier and FSB is freely adjustable. Too bad these chips are not known for stable overclocking at high operating frequencies.

Robert Richmond

[This message has been edited by RobRich (edited 05-08-2001).]