Cyrix
Press Release

Cyrix Announces MMX & Windows® NT Strategy

6x86™ Processor Provides Path to 32-bit and Multimedia Software Performance

Richardson, Texas -- May 16, 1996 -- Cyrix Corporation (NASDAQ: CYRX) today unveiled its strategic roadmap which enables users buying 6x86™ processor-based PCs today to move up to the next level of performance tomorrow. Cyrix�s strategy is to offer users a path to 32-bit, Windows® NT and MMX multimedia performance while protecting their new PC investment. Cyrix�s roadmap outlines that the next version of the 6x86 processor, code-named M2, is expected to provide outstanding performance on 32-bit software and is expected to be fully MMX compatible. This new chip will leverage 6x86 motherboards allowing users to exchange one processor for the other. This increased lifespan differentiates 6x86-based systems from Intel-based systems.

Platform For Longevity

"We expect Cyrix-based 6x86 systems to be able to smoothly migrate to both MMX and sixth-generation, 32-bit software performance," said Lew Paceley, vice president of marketing at Cyrix. "We�re offering users a chance to step off the obsolescence treadmill and buy a 6x86-based PC that offers stellar performance in today�s and tomorrow�s software environment."

PC manufacturers designing 6x86 desktops benefit as well. They can leverage the existing PC infrastructure to provide 32-bit Windows NT performance and MMX compatibility down the road.

The 6x86 Architecture Evolves

The award-winning 6x86 processor already offers industry-leading Windows 95 performance for the mainstream desktop market. By increasing the 6x86 processor�s internal cache from 16K to 64K, as well as additional optimizations, Cyrix expects the M2 to deliver outstanding performance for 32-bit applications running under Windows NT. The increased cache size also enables full utilization of the sixth-generation architectural core. The M2 is expected to offer users significantly enhanced multimedia performance and full compatibility with the industry-standard MMX.

Additional features of the M2 will be released later this year, with production expected in early 1997.

MMX and Cyrix�s Legacy of Software Compatibility

Multimedia extensions (MMX) are instructions recently added to the current x86 instruction set to support multimedia processing. MMX consists of 57 new instructions designed to accelerate multimedia functions such as audio processing, video decompression and graphics.

As in all Cyrix processors, the company�s engineers use original microcode and circuitry to design the M2 to achieve software compatibility with industry standards, including MMX.

Cyrix Corporation

Cyrix Corporation, (http://www.cyrix.com), headquartered in Richardson, Texas, is a leading supplier of high-performance processors and systems 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. The Cyrix 6x86 processor was recently recognized for its performance with awards from a number of publications, including Byte Magazine�s Best Technology at CeBIT�96, PC Week�s Corporate IT Excellence Award and Windows Sources� Stellar Award.

Forward looking statements involve risks relative to product development, delays in product introductions, market demand and acceptance, changing economic conditions, competition, rapidly changing technology and other risks detailed in the Company�s SEC filings. These filings can be obtained by contacting Investor Relations.

Cyrix is a registered trademark and 6x86 processor is a trademark of Cyrix Corporation. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.


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