See the latest FAQ addition.

Q. What is the M2?

A. The M2 processor is high-performance, MMX™ enhanced, superscalar CPU. The M2 processor runs MMX software, and is optimized for both 16-bit and 32-bit applications. The M2 also features an enhanced memory management unit and a 64-KByte cache for increased CPU and system performance.

Q. What are the differences between the M2 and the 6x86™ processor?

A. The major differences between the M2 and the 6x86 processors are listed below.

Q. What is the performance of the M2?

A. The M2 is expected to offer significant performance gains over the 6x86 processor. Consequently, you can expect the M2 to offer superior performance over the Pentium® processor with MMX technology and the Pentium Pro processors. Cyrix will announce full performance figures when the M2 is formally launched.

Q. Is the M2 compatible with existing software?

A. As with all Cyrix processors, the M2 will be compatible with Windows® 95, Windows NT, Windows, UNIX®, OS/2®, and many other operating systems, and with the thousands of 16-bit and 32-bit x86 software titles available today. What�s more, the M2 will run the latest MMX software.

Q. At what megahertz speeds will the M2 be available?

A. Cyrix plans to offer the M2 at 166 MHz and up.

Q. Does the floating point to integer conversion problem, "Dan-0411", that is in the Pentium Pro and Pentium II occur in Cyrix CPUs?

A. No, Dan-0411 is not present in any Cyrix microprocessor, including Cx486DX family, 5x86™ processor, 6x86™ processor, MediaGX™ processor -- and will not be present in the M2 processor.

Q. Will the M2 be socket 7 compatible?

A. Yes, the M2 is socket 7 compatible. You should be able to use existing socket 7 motherboards that support a P55C pinout.

Q. Is the M2 a dual-voltage processor?

A. Yes. The processor core runs at 2.8V and the processor I/O pins are set for 3.3V.

Q. What motherboards will support the M2?

A. Motherboards that are socket 7 compatible and support dual-voltage processors should support the M2. The Cyrix Test Labs will publish a list of Cyrix-tested, M2-compatible motherboards on this Web site in the near future.

Q. Can I upgrade my 6x86 processor to an M2?

A. Yes. Upgrading a 6x86 to the M2 requires a BIOS change. Additionally, the motherboard must be able to support a dual-voltage processor. Depending on your PC, other system changes may be necessary to achieve optimum performance and meet thermal specifications. Please refer to our Web site at the time of the product launch for more details.

Q. Will Cyrix offer an M2 processor upgrade kit?

A. No. Cyrix is not planning to offer an M2 upgrade processor kit at this time. However, certain Cyrix customers have expressed interest in producing upgrade kits that may be available before year end.

Q. When will the M2 be available?

A. Cyrix will launch the M2 processor in the second quarter of 1997. M2-based PCs will be available at that time, with volume increasing over the next quarter.

Q. At what price will Cyrix offer the M2?

A. Cyrix will offer the M2 processor at competitive prices that will be announced at the time of the product�s launch.

Q. Where can I purchase an M2 PC system?

A. You can expect to find M2-based PC systems in the current Cyrix channels -- retail stores, direct from VARs, dealers and resellers worldwide. Please refer to our Web site at the time of the product launch for more details.

MMX is a trademark of Intel Corporation.

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