What Is the difference between the Cyrix 6×88 and 5×86 processor?
A. There are significant differences between these two Cyrix processors. The 5×86 processor, formerly the M1sc, is pin-compatible with a 486. However, the 5×86 uses many fifth-generation features (branch prediction, data forwarding, superpipelining, etc.) to achieve performance equal to Pentium processors. The goal for the 5×86 was to achieve an efficient design, obtaining the highest performance possible using the fewest transistors to obtain entry-level Pentium processor performance. A 120 MHz 5×86 performs on par with a 90 MHz Pentium processor. The Cyrix 6×86 processor is a high-performance, sixth-generation CPU that is P64C socket-compatible. It incorporates a 64-bit external data bus (5×86 use a 32-bit external data bus) and a variety of innovative architectural features that enable it to outperform higher-megahertz Pentium processors to achieve best-in-class performance. Additional design information can be found in the 6×86 Processor Brief.
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