Five years ago: Cyrix MediaGX chip drives sub-£350 PC quest

First published 20 February, 1997

The Pentium class MediaGX processor integrates memory and PCI controllers, graphics and audio into the CPU and carries a keen price that will create new opportunities in the sub-£1,000 PC market, according to Cyrix. MediaGX chips come in two flavours, 120MHz ($79 per 1,000 units) and 133MHz ($99 per 1,000 units). The devices include the Cx5510 companion chip which has video drivers and BIOS extensions.

Compaq has already been announced as a major partner and will launch its MediaGX-based Series 2000 Presario home PC this afternoon. Cyrix said it will announce several other partners at the Cebit 97 trade show in Hannover, Germany.

"We're leading the chase towards a $500 (£350) PC, and it will be attainable within two years," said Brendan Sherry, Cyrix's European general manager.