It was a modified Intel i486DX microprocessor with its floating-point unit (FPU) disabled. It was intended as a lower-cost CPU for use in low-end systems—selling for US$ 258—adapting the SX suffix of the earlier i386SX in order to connote a lower-cost option.

In fall of 1991, Intel introduced the 50 MHz i486 DX using the three layer 800 nm process CHMOS-V technology. They were available for US$665 in 1,000-unit quantities. [9] In that season, Intel introduced low-power 25 MHz Intel486 DX microprocessor. This one was available for …

Apr 3, 2024 · The 486SX vs 486DX was a marketing game. Intel disabled the FPU on the 486 to make the SX. In this blog post, we explore why Intel did this.

The Intel386DX contains full 32 bit buses for external data, internal data, and address. The Intel386SX contains a smaller 16 bit external data bus, and a smaller 24 bit address bus. The Intel486DX contains a floating point unit, the Intel486SX does not.

Intel 486SX Microprocessor. While the 80486 (DX version) is basically an enhanced 386 with an internal cache and math coprocessor, the Intel 486SX is the "economy model" lacking the math processor and internal cache.

Dec 13, 2015 · The 486SX was introduced in mid-1991, and its main purpose was to compete with faster 386 systems, especially those from AMD. At that time, the vast majority of software did not require a FPU, and most software didn’t use one even if available.

The 486DLC is a 486 desktop CPU from Cyrix, intended to compete with the Intel 486SX and DX. Texas Instruments, who manufactured the 486DLC for Cyrix, later released its own version of the chip, the TI486SXL, with 8 KB internal cache vs 1 KB of the original Cyrix design. [3]

Nov 21, 2020 · In late 1991, Intel introduced a low-cost version called the 486SX, and renamed the original processor 486DX. The only difference between the two was the presence of the FPU: a 486SX system was much slower than a 486DX when performing floating-point calculations, but was otherwise identical.

The 486SX processors were the same as their DX counterparts in design, but the built in math co processor was disabled. There was a 487 which was actually a 486 with the math co processor enabled. If the motherboard had this slot for the 487, the SX cpu would be disabled and the 487 cpu would take over all processing.

What does 486SX actually mean? Find out inside PCMag's comprehensive tech and computer-related encyclopedia.