Cyrix Unveils Architecture for Next Processor Core
Floating Point and MMXT Instruction Enhancements to Deliver Industry-Leading
3D and Multimedia Performance
Richardson, Texas - October 14, 1997 - Cyrix Corporation (NASDAQ:
CYRX) today revealed the internal architecture of its next processor
core, code named Cayenne, at Microprocessor Forum '97. Cayenne will
feature a fully pipelined, dual-issue floating point unit and 15 new
multimedia floating point instructions to enable the highest-performance
3D graphics, DVD and 3D audio.
"Future applications will require a no-compromise compute engine
with balanced integer, floating point and multimedia capability,"
said Robert Maher, vice president of engineering, Cyrix. "The Cayenne
core will deliver industry-leading 3D and multimedia performance for
mainstream desktop PCs."
Boost in Floating Point and MMX Instruction Performance
A key component of the Cayenne core is the ability to execute four
floating point operations per cycle using dual MMX instruction units.
This will deliver over 1 GFLOP peak performance, a first for desktop
PCs. In addition, the dual floating point reciprocal and reciprocal-square-root
instructions will execute five times faster on Cayenne than on the
Pentium™ II processor. These instructions are used extensively
in lighting calculations for 3D image processing.
The net result is that Cayenne will deliver in excess of 10 million
meshed triangles per second to an external 3D rendering engine - more
than five times faster than the Pentium II processor. Lastly, Cayenne
will deliver single-cycle throughput on standard x86 floating point
instructions.
Cayenne Core Summary
The Cayenne core will feature a dual-issue floating point and MMX
instruction unit, 64KByte L1 cache, and an enhanced sixth-generation
integer unit. Processors based on the core will initially be manufactured
using a .25-micron, 5-layer metal process. This includes a C4 process
for flip chip assembly. As a result, the core die size is expected
to be about 65mm2. Processors based on this core are expected
to be in production in 2H98 at speed ratings ranging from PR300 to
PR400.
About Cyrix Corporation
Cyrix Corporation, (NASDAQ: CYRIX) headquartered in Richardson, Texas,
is a leading supplier of innovative microprocessor-based solutions
that set new standards for the personal computer market. The company
delivers compelling value and quality to its customers, the manufacturers
of personal computer products, by combining industry leading design
with world class manufacturing. Cyrix's customers include, Apple,
Compaq, CTX, Cybermax, FIC, Fujitsu, Hyundai, IBM, Trigem and Tulip.
For more information visit Cyrix's web site at www.cyrix.com.
Any forward-looking statements in the above release
involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to
differ from the present anticipated results. These risks and uncertainties
include but are not limited to the following: market demand and acceptance
of our microprocessor products; the impact of changing economic conditions;
product introductions; the verification of our microprocessor's compatibility
with industry-standard hardware and software; the maintenance of sufficient
cash flow; reliance on third-parties; the impact of market peers and
their products as well as risks concerning future technology; and
others detailed in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission
filings. These filings can be obtained by contacting Cyrix Investor
Relations. Cyrix is a registered trademark and 6x86MX is a trademark
of Cyrix 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.
© 1997 by Cyrix Corporation, U.S.A.
