IBM Corp appears to have dealt its Intel Corp iAPX-86-compatible partner Cyrix Corp a body blow by deciding to use rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc’s K6 processors in new Aptiva E series personal computers due in a few weeks. K6 is AMD’s implementation of Intel’s MMX multimedia and Pentium II generation technology. Although IBM’s consumer division is expected to continue to use Cyrix parts in other consumer models, the AMD agreement is kick in the teeth for Cyrix’s own M2 Pentium II-competitor which is fabricated by IBM Microelectronics. Observers say IBM’s decision could be a reflection on the impending acquisition of Cyrix by National Semiconductor Corp.
