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The Cyrix MediaGX Processor
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In 1996 Cyrix released the MediaGX CPU, which integrated all of the major discrete components of a PC, including memory controller, graphics, sound and PCI controller, onto a single chip. Initially based on the old 5x86 technology and running at 120 or 133 MHz, its performance was widely criticized but its low price made it quite successful. Though it required a special motherboard and was not pin compatible with the Pentium, it was the cheapest route into a Pentium class system available on the market. Later versions of the MediaGX ran at speeds of up to 333 MHz and added MMX support. A second chip was added to extend its video capabilities.
The MediaGX led to Cyrix's first big win, when Compaq used it in its lowest-priced Presario computers. This led to further MediaGX sales to Packard Bell and also seemed to give Cyrix legitimacy, as 6x86 sales to Packard Bell and eMachines quickly followed.
But because it seemed to have so much potential in the low-cost market, it dragged Cyrix's attention away from the main market - high-performance desktop parts - and attracted the interest of other companies, notably National Semiconductor, which bought Cyrix in July 1997 largely on the strength of the MediaGX design, and over the next year or so proceeded to mismanage the company into oblivion.
References:
Official Announcement
MediaGX Processor FAQ
Press Tour
Architecture Overview |
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