General Information

Q. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Cyrix over Intel processors?

A. The purpose of this page is to disseminate Cyrix 6x86 information in an unbiased fashion. To foster this approach, I have listed what I believe to be the advantages and disadvantages of the 6x86 over the Pentium processor.

Advantages of a 6x86 over a Pentium:

  1. Price - half the price of a comparable Pentium
  2. Performance - faster than its Intel counterpart
  3. Serious competition for Intel - priceless
  4. Pin compatible with the next generation of Cyrix processors (6x86MX) - you can use your existing motherboard

Disadvantages of a 6x86 over a Pentium:

  1. Poor floating point unit compared to Pentium - don't use it to play Quake because Quake is optimized for the Pentium
  2. Increased heat as a result of demanding current and power requirements - many motherboards can't handle the load
  3. Windows NT 4.0 performance bug on older CPU revisions - you must go through the hassle of getting a replacement chip
  4. Some software compatibility problems - a limited number of games
  5. No multi-processor motherboard support

Additional information about each numbered item can be found in this FAQ.

Q. Where can I read feature articles about Cyrix processors?

A. Cyrix keeps a list of links to feature articles about 6x86 processors on its website at http://www.cyrix.com/process/new/innews-p.htm. Be aware that Cyrix only lists links to those articles that are pro-Cyrix. Thank goodness for independent publications and personal home pages to supply some of the bad. There has to be some of course. Nevertheless, it is still a very good resource for those who are starving for more information. You can keep yourself busy for hours.

Also, check out the October 1996 Computer Shopper. They did a cover story on Cyrix processors. I think that the cover sums up their findings appropriately. Read the online version by clicking on the graphic.

Computer Shopper Pentium Busters

Q. How is Cyrix able to sell CPUs for less than Intel?

A. The 6x86 is not only the first Pentium class processor that exceeds the performance of a comparable Intel processor, but it does so using a manufacturing technology that is one full generation behind the technology used by Intel. The first 6x86 samples and the 100-120 MHz parts were manufactured using a 0.6 micron technology. The 133-150 MHz parts up to revision 2.7 were manufactured using a 0.5 micron technology. The revision 3.7 and above parts are a 10% optical shrinked design and were manufactured using a 0.44 micron technology. The revision 4.2 (6x86L) parts are manufactured using a 0.35 micron technology. This means that Cyrix gets faster chips and higher margins at a much lower cost. Getting more performance out of a less aggressive process technology makes it easier and cheaper to obtain manufacturing capacity. Additionally, Cyrix is able to get the capacity without having to pay an arm and a leg for it. By using a more advanced processor design instead of more advanced manufacturing techniques, Cyrix has been able to partially nullify one of Intel's biggest strategic advantages: its world-class manufacturing facilities.

Q. Is Cyrix is financial trouble?

A. Cyrix reported record revenues of $93.2 million for the third-quarter of 1997, up 182 percent from the $33.1 million reported in the same period last year. Unfortunately, Cyrix also recorded a small net loss of $0.7 million, or a 4 cent loss per share for the quarter, compared to a net loss of $6.9 million, or a loss per share of 36 cents for the same period last year.

During the first nine months of 1997, Cyrix reported substantial revenue growth to $208.8 million, up 87 percent from the $111.8 million posted in the same period last year. Cyrix posted net income of $0.6 million, or earnings per share of 3 cents in the first nine months of 1997, compared to the net loss of $21.4 million, or a loss of $1.11 per share for the same period last year.

Cyrix achieved record shipments of 1.3 million units in the quarter. Included were shipments of nearly 600,000 6x86 processors which were phased out. Cyrix practically gave the 6x86 away in an effort to significantly reduce inventory levels. As a result, this phase out contributed to lower gross margins in the quarter. Cyrix is relying on their MediaGX and 6x86MX product lines to drive future revenues and profits.

Q. When is the last time Cyrix officially announced 6x86 price cuts?

A. 6x86 prices have freefalled as Cyrix/IBM frantically tried to get rid of 6x86 inventory. The 6x86 is so cheap that I $$$give them away as party favors. The average retail price of the PR200+ is approximately $75.00. Cyrix products are still roughly half the price of comparable Pentium processors from Intel Corp even when taking into account Intel's recent drastic price cuts.

Cyrix 6x86 PCs continue to offer solid Windows 95 performance at obscene prices. If you don't need MMX technology, the 6x86 may right be for you.

Q. What are the Top 5 things that you can do with all of the money that you saved by buying a Cyrix processor?

  1. Buy memory
  2. Buy more memory
  3. Upgrade another computer peripheral (graphics card, harddrive, etc.)
  4. Send it to me
  5. Save it

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these options; especially option number four.

Q. Does the Cyrix 6x86 support multi-processing?

A. The Cyrix 6x86 does support multiprocessing. It supports multi-processing using the OpenPIC architecture. This is a alternative architecture to Intel's own branded APIC architecture. More information about the details of OpenPIC can be found by emailing openpic@amd.com. This is an automated email reply system. The AMD K6 supports OpenPIC also.

The problem, however, it that currently no motherboards on the Cyrix MB compatibility list support OpenPIC and there are no motherboard manufacturers that are currently planning on doing so.

Q. What is the Cyrix 6x86MX?

A. Check out my 6x86MX FAQ for information on the 6x86MX.

Q. Did Cyrix recently merge with National Semiconductor?

A. Yes, During the third-quarter of 1997, Cyrix and National Semiconductor announced an agreement to merge. Regulatory approvals have been secured, and a special meeting of Cyrix stockholders to vote on the merger is scheduled for November 17, 1997. The new bizzaro Cyrix will be a wholly owned National subsidiary and have autonomy. National Semiconductor will manufacture Cyrix-designed chips while retaining the Cyrix brand. Read my editorial on the Cyrix - National Semiconductor Merger for more information about the merger and find out how it will affect you.

Q. Is there a troubleshooting guide available for Cyrix 6x86 processors.

A. Yes, Cyrix developed a Troubleshooting Tips guide to help you quickly resolve the most common systems issues on your own. It can be found on their website at Cyrix Processors -- Troubleshooting Tips. The categories include System Will Not Boot, System Locks Up, Peripheral Issues, Performance Issues, and Software Issues.