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Cyrix unveils MediaGX
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February 20, 1997: 5:18 p.m. ET
Processor brings multimedia functions to low-cost computer models
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Cyrix Corp. was unable to convince many computer makers to adopt its 6x86 chip over Intel's Pentium microprocessor, but it's now poised to take over the budget computer market.
Cyrix on Thursday unveiled the MediaGX processor that will be featured in computers made by Compaq and others for the under- $1,000 market.
The new chip's central processing unit handles multimedia and system functions instead of handing those tasks off to add-on sound and video cards.
Compaq Computer Corp. was one of the first to announce it would release a new model using the new chip. It said Thursday the Presario 2000 will sell for $999.
Steve Tobak, vice president of Cyrix, said the company's engineers had been working for several years on a way to integrate multimedia technology into its chips. He is convinced Intel won't be able to match this price point.
"We integrated a number of system-logic and multimedia capabilities to get an advantage Intel couldn't meet," said Tobak. "We virtualize a number of hardware functions such as graphics and audio in software. That makes the solution very cost effective."
Tobak also said the fact that video and audio functions are handled on the chip enables the MediaGX to operate faster than a Pentium system.
He predicted other computer manufacturers would include the MediaGX in their new machines, although he said Cyrix already has plenty of business from Compaq.
He said the functionality and cost of the new machines featuring the MediaGX chip should help convince many people who think computers are too complicated that they should now buy. (394K WAV) or (394K AIFF)
Although Cyrix's 6x86 chip lost in a head-to-head battle with Intel, Tobak is convinced the low price point of MediaGX will have Intel playing catch-up for some time.
"Intel, being a dominant supplier, gets quite a bit of leverage," Tobak said. "What Cyrix has chosen is more effective technology that puts us quite a bit ahead of time in the marketplace."
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