Cyrix 6x86 Family Chips

Introduction

The 6x86 is Cyrix's sixth generation processor, also nicknamed the M1. It is not MMX. This chip is fast and is a smart way to get this kind of speed without the hefty price tag. It is slightly faster than the Intel version and about $200 US cheaper. It is an entry-level processor, really.

Below are the specs on the chip, provided by Cyrix.

For more information

• Cyrix 6x86 Processor datasheet
• 6x86 Processor Data Book 2.05 MB
• 6x86 Upgrade Advice Guide

Of course, with the latest craze for MMX processors, Cyrix just had to make one. The 6x86MX is the latest chip from Cyrix. Formally the M2, it is an enhanced version of the 6x86 with support for the MMX instruction set. It also boasts 64 KB of cache and some enhancements to the FPU. Cyrix has almost completely shifted its attention to this new chip.

Processor specifications

Overall, the 6x86MX is a great chip. Its design, which is different than AMD's or Intel's, is more flexible but it can't get clock speeds as high as the others. But, benchmarks indicate that it outperforms the Pentium MMX/233 and the Pentium Pro/200. The chip actually runs at 187 MHz, so Cyrix continued the PR-Rating system, calling it a PR-233. Like the K6, it falls slightly short in its MMX capability and FPU. Its reported that it is even worse than the K6. For 3D performance, the 6x86MX is the worst of the top chips. Even with a high-end graphics card, it falls way behind the Pentium MMX/233. Although on business applications, it compares favorably with the Pentium II, it doesn't even compare when it comes to 3D software, such as AutoCAD.

For more information on Cyrix chips, check out the Cyrix 6x86MX page.

Media GX

An entry level processor built by Cyrix that gets a fair amount of attention is the MediaGX. This chip is different because it is highly integrated. It requires a special motherboard and is not Pin compatible with the Pentium. Besides the hassles, though, it is the cheapest route into a Pentium class system available on the market.

The price of this chip attracted Compaq to it, and they use it in the Presario 2100 and 2200.

What makes this chip different is its integration. In one chip, Cyrix integrates the processor, based on the old Cyrix 5x86, with the graphics controller, DRAM controller, and PCI bus interface. For this reason, Cyrix has called this chip a "PC on a chip". The MediaGX, however, is not much of a performer. It is at the lowest end of the Pentium market. It has a low clock speed and has no support for USB, or MMX. It was originally clocked at 120 and 133 MHz, but more recently it has been released in 166 and 180 MHz versions. Cyrix plans to release a 200 MHz MMX version soon. There is no 3D acceleration on the chip's display circuitry, so it wouldn't be a prime choice for a major game player.