Article discussing mounting competition in the processor world. I wonder how National is improving the fp performance of their MXi chip?
Intel feeling the heat
National Semi, IBM forging alternative chip paths for users
By Lisa DiCarlo, PC Week Online
September 7, 1998
Competitors both large and small, in desktops and servers, are putting increasing pressure on Intel Corp. with alternative processor plans.
In addition to Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Intel's longtime rival in
mainstream desktop processors, National Semiconductor Corp. and
IBM Microelectronics are renewing efforts to give corporate users new
chips to consider.
National Semi, for example, is developing a range of integrated
processors for entry-level PCs, thin clients, single-function devices and portables.
The Santa Clara, Calif., company's plan, according to officials, is to
replace its existing MII processor, developed by its Cyrix Corp.
subsidiary, with the MXi for sub-$1,500 PCs. That platform promises
to have better floating-point performance, resolving a long-standing issue with Cyrix processors.
National Semi will also attempt to reach several customer segments with the PC-on-a-chip line, the first of which is due in the first half of 1999. Different versions will target set-top boxes, embedded applications and other non-PC devices.
National Semi's forthcoming MediaGX processors will be used in
Windows-based terminals from Wyse Technology Inc. and Boundless
Technologies Inc. In fact, National Semi is migrating a large chunk of its own users to thin clients that will eventually be based on its own
microprocessor technology.
"We're interested in price/performance, so we buy [some]
non-Intel-based PCs," said Harold Siewert, IS director at Pacific Health Corp., in Long Beach, Calif., which has about 1,000 users. "Loyalty [to Intel] can't run our applications cheaper or faster."
In addition, National Semi, with its Cyrix subsidiary, which is based in Richardson, Texas, is dissolving its manufacturing and licensing
partnership with IBM Microelectronics, which will stop selling its version of the Cyrix 6x86MX.
Instead, IBM is planning to develop its own X86-compatible
"system-on-a-chip" processors, possibly based on cores from Shenzhen
STS Microelectronics, located in Shenzhen, China, sources said.
IBM may announce its strategy in the fourth quarter. The Somers, N.Y.,
company will leverage process advancements in transistors and
interconnects, such as copper and silicon-on-insulator, to push the
performance envelope.
"It's not just an Intel market anymore," said Linley Gwennap, editorial director of The Microprocessor Report, in Sebastopol, Calif.
Intel competition mounting
IBM
- Building integrated X86 processors for entry-level desktops and other devices
- Building copper-based PowerPC for high-end and embedded applications
AMD
- Developing K7, due in 1999, that has the 21264 Alpha bus
- May license Alpha from Compaq Computer Corp. and release own branded 64-bit Alpha chip
Sun Microelectronics
- Offers 64-bit processors for high-end servers, uniprocessor systems and embedded apps
National Semiconductor
- Developing system-on-a-chip for entry-level desktops and thin clients
- Working on third-generation MediaGX chips
Rise and IDT
- Small companies, each building X86 chips for low-end desktops
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