The Intel486(TM) Processor Family

The most popular entry level processors for today's home and business users belong to the Intel486 microprocessor family. The IntelDX4(TM) processor provides the best 486 level performance, the IntelDX2(TM) processor is the best value for home and business use, and the Intel SX2(TM) processor offers an additional option for the cost-conscious home user. This section discusses the features of these products as well as those of the Intel486 SX and DX processors, the original members of the Intel486 processor family.

The Intel486 SX(TM) and Intel SX2(TM) Processors

The Intel486 SX processor is the least powerful member of the Intel486 microprocessor family. It includes an 8K on-chip cache, memory management and a one-clock-per-instruction RISC integer core. The Intel SX2 processor provides up to twice the performance of an Intel486 SX processor at a comparable system price. This performance increase is accomplished through the use of Intel’s clock-multiplying technology which increases the internal clock rate of the processor to twice that of the system, resulting in an improvement of overall system performance.

The Intel486 DX(TM) and IntelDX2(TM) Processors

The Intel486 DX processor is the original member of the Intel486 processor family. Like the Intel486 SX processor, the Intel486 DX processor has a RISC technology central processing unit, an 8K built-in cache and a memory management unit. In addition to these features, the Intel486 DX processor includes an on- chip math coprocessor which increases the computing power beyond that of the Intel486 SX processor by eliminating the I/O cycles needed to pass data between the processor and an external device. Equipped with energy efficient SL technology, the Intel486 DX processor is functionally identical to the Intel486 SL processor, the original processor that combined Intel486 DX technology with SL Technology.

Ideal for a range of desktop and mobile applications, the IntelDX2 processor is the best value for home and business systems. This processor incorporates Intel’s clock-multiplying technology into the basic design of the Intel486 DX processor. This technology increases the internal clock rate of the processor to twice that of the system board. Thanks to this technology, the IntelDX2 processor can achieve up to twice the code execution speed of an Intel486 DX processor at a comparable system clock rate, substancially improving overall system performance.

The IntelDX4(TM) Processor

The IntelDX4 processor is the fastest member of the Intel486 microprocessor family, offering the best value in 486 desktop computing and unparalleled performance for mobile computers. Based on proven Intel486 technology, the IntelDX4 processor is fully compatible with all of today’s PC software applications and is excellent for such applications as large spreadsheets, databases, presentations, and desktop publishing.

The IntelDX4 processor is available in speeds of 75 and 100MHz. At an iCOMP index rating of 435, the 100 MHz IntelDX4 processor performs up to 50% faster than the 66 MHz IntelDX2 processor. In addition, the IntelDX4 processor contains clock- multiplying technology which allows the processor to run three times faster than the system speed, further enhancing system performance. This performance is achieved in part by a 16K on-chip cache that is double that of the other Intel486 microprocessors, allowing frequently used data to be accessed more quickly for faster overall performance. The IntelDX4 processor has an integrated floating point unit, providing advanced power for floating point intensive applications. Like the other Intel486 microprocessors, the IntelDX4 processor achieves performance through a RISC integer core that executes frequently used instructions in a single clock cycle (compared to the Pentium processor’s ability to execute multiple instructions in a single clock cycle).

All of this performance is achieved with low power consumption which has been achieved through the use of SL Technology as well as through Intel's new 0.6 micron manufacturing technology. This innovative technology makes it possible to integrate 1.6 million transistors onto a single chip operating at only 3.3 volts.