TAIPEI, Taiwan --Via Technologies Inc. here today introduced its new Cyrix III processor, which operates at 533- to 667-MHz speeds for desktop systems and mobile computers. The new microprocessor is compatible with the Socket 370 interface and features Via's Dynamic Power Caching Architecture.
The new PC processor is aimed at next-generation "value" PCs, ultra-light notebook systems, and Internet Appliances, said Wen Chi Chen, president and CEO of the Taiwan chip company, which unveiled the Cyrix III during the Computex 2000 trade show in Taipei.
The Cyrix III was designed by Via's Centaur Technology operation, located in Austin, Tex. The processor is made with a 0.18-micron process with six-layers of metal interconnect, resulting in a die size of 76 mm2. Power consumption is less than 10 watts, according to Via.
A 128-kilobyte Level 1 cache is integrated on the processor in addition to a 100/133-MHz front side bus, and support for enhanced 3DNow! technology, said Via. In 1,000-piece quantities, the Cyrix III sells for $75 each for the 533-MHz speed grade and $160 for processors running at 667 MHz.
