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Richardson, Texas -- February 20, 1997 -- Cyrix Corporation, maker of the 6x86™ processor, today officially unveiled the MediaGX™ processor. Supported by key industry leaders including Compaq and Microsoft, as well as a growing number of players in the PC industry infrastructure, the MediaGX processor incorporates multimedia and system functions right on the CPU. This new architecture helps PC manufacturers to deliver low-cost systems with the features and performance of much more expensive multimedia PCs.
Cyrix believes the unique, MediaGX processor technology can spark new growth in the emerging sub-$1,000 consumer PC market. In fact, this new processor will be initially incorporated into Compaq’s new Presario® 2100 with MediaGX technology — also announced today.
"We developed the MediaGX technology from the ground up as a way of reducing the cost and complexity of high-performance, multimedia computing," said Steve Tobak, Cyrix vice president, corporate and channel marketing. "The result was a significant convergence of CPU, core logic and multimedia technology in a single chip, reflecting true system-design innovation. The last step was developing a unique, consumer-friendly reference system to enable rapid market penetration, giving our customers a significant competitive edge in the market."
According to Carl Stork, general manager, Windows® Platform, Microsoft, "PCs have grown popular and relevant to a growing number of consumers, and there are two key challenges to maintaining this growth: Improving ease of use and consumer convenience, and making PCs more affordable. This new generation of processor technology, such as the MediaGX processor, will make PCs more affordable and thereby make them more accessible to a broader segment of the population."
Processing Power On Chip Equals More Efficient PC Performance
The more processing that occurs on the CPU, the more efficient the PC system performance. Thus, systems based on the MediaGX processor will have equivalent Winstone® 97 performance to similarly configured Pentium® processor-based systems at the same frequency. This is because the graphics acceleration and memory control functions are operating at a higher frequency than Pentium-based systems, significantly improving processing bandwidth.
Additionally, to cut system cost, Cyrix developed the Virtual System Architecture™ (VSA), a Windows®-compatible software technology that replaces hardware functionality with VSA software instructions. That means that a system based on the MediaGX processor does not need costly add-in cards for graphics and sound. The performance and virtualization enhancements are incorporated into three exclusive processor features that efficiently manage the multimedia and system functions of the MediaGX processor — XpressRAM™, XpressGRAPHICS™ and XpressAUDIO™.
XpressRAM ensures maximum application performance while eliminating expensive memory components. XpressGRAPHICS processes graphics directly on the MediaGX processor, eliminating bottlenecks and improving performance. It also allows flexibility in screen resolution and number of colors without costly video memory. XpressAUDIO uses VSA to deliver CD quality stereo sound and industry-standard sound card compatibility.
"By using Cyrix’s MediaGX architecture, Compaq can deliver for the first time a high quality, full-featured multimedia PC at price points that leading PC manufacturers have not been able to reach before now," said Mike Heil, Compaq senior vice president and group general manager, consumer division. "The new Presario 2000 Series is ideal for families seeking an additional PC for their home, as well as for consumers who have delayed the purchase of a PC because of price or lack of product features."
Availability, Price and Industry Support
In production now, the MediaGX processor is offered at 120 and 133MHz. The 120MHz MediaGX processor sells for $79; the 133MHz version sells for $99 (prices reflect 1,000 unit quantity). Included with the MediaGX processor is the Cx5510 companion chip, video drivers and BIOS extensions. Initial industry infrastructure support for the MediaGX processor includes: Award Software and Phoenix Technologies (BIOS manufacturers); and BCM Advanced Research, Daewoo Telecom LTD., First International Computer, LG Electronics Inc. (Goldstar), SCI Systems, Tatung Co. and Trigem Computer (motherboard & OEM manufacturing partners).
Cyrix Corporation, (www.cyrix.com), headquartered in Richardson, Texas, is a leading supplier of high-performance processors to the personal computer industry. Founded in 1988, the company designs, manufactures and markets innovative Windows-compatible processors for the desktop computer market. The Cyrix 6x86 processor has been recognized for its performance with awards from a number of publications, including BYTE Magazine’s Best Technology at CeBIT ‘96, Computer Resellers News’ Editor’s Choice Award, PC Week’s Corporate IT Excellence Award, Windows Sources’ Stellar Award and Computer Shopper’s Direct Channel Achievement Award.
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.