Cyrix Reveals PC Industry Support for 6x86™ Processor

Richardson, Texas -- October 6, 1995 -- In conjunction with the announcement of its 6x86 processor family today, Cyrix Corporation (NASDAQ: CYRX) revealed strong support from the PC industry. This support gives the 6x86 processor the impetus needed to move forward in challenging Intel's performance leadership position.

PC Manufacturers

Personal computer manufacturers AST Computer and EPSON in the United States, and Peacock in Germany, will be the first companies to introduce systems using the Cyrix 6x86 processor.

"Our goal is to offer a broad range of PC products that represent the best value and performance money can buy," said Michael DeNeffe, director, PC product management at EPSON. "The availability of this new processor from Cyrix allows us to bring high-performance processing to customers who are demanding greater levels of performance and value in computer products."

"The PC market today is looking forward to the next generation of processors. At AST Computer, we are very pleased Cyrix is providing such a device," said Chet Pribonic, vice president, product division.

In addition, Compaq Computer expressed support for the Cyrix 6x86 processor. "As the leading manufacturer of PC systems, Compaq is constantly looking for new and exciting technology to utilize in bringing its customers the best products in terms of features, performance, cost and availability. We have been very favorably impressed with both the compatibility and the level of performance offered by the Cyrix 6x86," said Jim Paschal, vice president of corporate engineering at Compaq Computer Corporation.

Manufacturing Capability

Cyrix's 6x86 processor is being manufactured by IBM Microelectronics in Burlington, Vermont, adding world-class manufacturing capability and process technology to the 6x86 design.

"The 6x86 combines Cyrix's proven x86 design capability with IBM's world-class, five-layer process technology," said Ken Torino, director, x86 business unit at IBM Microelectronics. "This product offers customers the first viable alternative x86 microprocessor in this architecture's performance class."

PC Infrastructure

Supporters of the 6x86 processor include BIOS suppliers AMI, Award, Microid Research, Phoenix Technologies; core logic suppliers Acer Labs, OPTi, Pico Power Technology, SiS, VIA Technologies, VLSI Technology; and motherboard manufacturers Acer, Chicony, ECS, FIC and Micronics.

"OPTi congratulates Cyrix on its launch of the 6x86," said Raj Jaswa, president of OPTi. "OPTi has always encouraged an open market and has endorsed previous generations of Cyrix CPUs. OPTi is looking forward to bolstering the 6x86 with its Viper family of products and is ready to provide support to all 6x86 customers."

"Phoenix is proud to support Cyrix's 6x86 processor in our line of essential system-level software products. We look forward to a strong relationship with Cyrix and their entire line of CPUs," said Clay Clatur, vice president of Phoenix Technologies Desktop Division.

"We are excited with the performance of Cyrix's 6x86," noted Nathan Brookwood, director of marketing at Micronics Computers, Inc., the leading U.S.-based system board supplier. "The 6x86's compatibility with industry-standard 'socket 5' pin-outs allows us to develop boards that support 64-bit x86 processors from several vendors, using different performance optimizations for each type of CPU. This results in a great range of choices for OEMs and resellers and, ultimately, more value for end users."

"We are impressed with the level of support shown by the PC community," said Steve Tobak, vice president of corporate marketing at Cyrix. "It supports our position as the first challenger to Intel's performance dominance, and will provide a vehicle for increasing user acceptance throughout the PC industry."

Cyrix Corporation

Cyrix Corporation, 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, x86 software-compatible processors for the desktop and mobile computer markets.