National Semiconductor Corp’s Cyrix Corp has announced a 233Mhz version of its MediaGX processor with MMX technology, which it claims delivers the same class of performance as Intel Corp’s Pentium for a much lower price. The latest MediaGX version is aimed at desktop computers, costing typically less than $800, and in some cases less than $600 Cyrix said. The company launched the iAPX-86-compatible MediaGX at the beginning of last year (CI No 3,105), originally clocked at 133Mhz, and it was taken up immediately by Compaq Computer Corp for use in its Presario 2000 desktops. One of the significant developments, Cyrix says, is the processor’s support for Microsoft Corp’s Windows CE operating system. It seems the company has high hopes of beating rival Intel to the high-powered, portable PC space, as well as the embedded device market. Cyrix spokesperson Wendell Watson, says the iAPX-86 architecture is much more robust for true portable PC-type applications than embedded processors such as the ARM and StrongARM from Advanced RISC Machines Ltd, for example. Cyrix’s iteration is also much lower in cost than that of Intel, Watson said. Cyrix is also positioning itself in the embedded market, for devices such as set-top boxes, by combining analog technology from its parent National Semiconductor. The 233Mhz MediaGX is being used in systems from IBM Canada Ltd, and Allentown, Pennsylvania-based direct reseller Cybermax Inc. It is available now in a 320-pin SPGA package.
