Cyrix's GX Chip Powers Low-Cost PCs

Mark Carroll

PCs that cost less than $1000 will hit the market in force this year. In fact, they may become a marketing challenge for Intel's high-power, high-price product strategy. Besides Acer's AcerBasic, Tatung, Mitac International, First International Computer, and other Taiwanese companies have launched or will soon launch machines in the $500-$1000 price range.

These are not just bare-bones machines. Several Taiwanese companies are using Cyrix's new GX chip as the basis for sub-$1000 multimedia PCs. The GX incorporates 2-D video and audio functions in the CPU. Sources say that the GX and accompanying core logic costs about $80. The GX's integration and price allow mainboard makers to offer a GX/mainboard package for around $140.

The GX uses a 133-MHz 5x86 core, a 2-D graphics accelerator, 64-bit memory, and PCI controllers on a single die. Software emulation for VGA and 16-bit Sound Blaster audio is part of the package.

Core logic for the GX comes initially from a chip that's provided by Cyrix. This chip will provide ISA and IDE controllers and handles some of the audio emulation.

Cyrix is not the only CPU maker to offer such an integrated, low-cost multimedia chip. Sources in Taiwan say that when Compaq first began placing OEM orders for GX mainboards, they were approached by Intel. A source says that Intel is quietly offering a 166-MHz Pentium with integrated multimedia functions as an alternative to the GX.

Integration of multimedia onto a CPU is a double-edge marketing sword, however. Taiwanese mainboard manufacturers are attracted to the ease of implementation and price of the GX. On the other hand, they worry about customer acceptance because you cannot upgrade such systems easily.

Whether consumers will favor budget PCs, full-function PCs, or Internet boxes next Christmas is unknown. It's clear, though, that this year, unlike others, they will have more to choose from than just the latest high-powered $2000 Intel-powered systems.