Intel vs AMD vs Cyrix: DX2-66 Face Off

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Comparison of DX 2 Chips
   • Intel DX 2 Chip
   • AMD DX 2 Chip
   • Cyrix DX 2 Chip
3. Differences in Cache Size
   • L1 Cache: Right Through vs Right Back
   • Performance Impact of L1 Cache Size
   • Comparison of Right Through and Right Back Cache Versions
4. Benchmark Results
   • Benchmarks Used
   • Comparison of Intel and AMD DX 2 Chips
   • Comparison of Cyrix DX 2 Chip
5. Compatibility with Operating Systems
   • OS/2 Warp Compatibility
   • Issues with AMD DX 2 Chip
   • Issues with Cyrix DX 2 Chip
6. Conclusion

Comparison of DX 2 Chips

In this article, we will be examining and comparing the DX 2 chips from Intel, AMD, and Cyrix. These chips were popular during the retro computing era and were known for their performance and affordability. Let's take a closer look at each chip and compare their features and performance.

Intel DX 2 Chip

The Intel DX 2 chip was a 66 megahertz processor that provided users with a reliable and efficient computing experience. It boasted 8 kilobytes of L1 cache and offered a solid performance for its time. With its right-through L1 cache design, this chip provided satisfactory performance in various applications.

AMD DX 2 Chip

On the other HAND, the AMD DX 2 chip, also running at 66 megahertz, offered a competitive alternative to the Intel DX 2 chip. With a similar 8 kilobytes of L1 cache, the AMD chip aimed to provide comparable performance to its Intel counterpart. However, there were some differences in design and performance that we will explore further.

Cyrix DX 2 Chip

The Cyrix DX 2 chip, running at 66 megahertz, was an independently engineered processor that aimed to compete with Intel and AMD. While it also had 8 kilobytes of L1 cache, the Cyrix chip had its unique characteristics and performance attributes. Some claimed it had better floating-point math performance, while others praised its integer performance. Let's delve deeper into the differences and see how it compared to the Intel and AMD DX 2 chips.

Differences in Cache Size

Cache size plays a crucial role in the performance of a CPU. In this section, we will discuss the differences in cache size between the DX 2 chips and their impact on performance.

L1 Cache: Right Through vs Right Back

The Intel and AMD DX 2 chips initially had a right-through design for their L1 cache, with 8 kilobytes of cache available. Right-through cache allows direct access to the main memory and provides faster data retrieval. However, both companies later introduced versions with right-back cache, which is known for better performance but at a higher cost.

Performance Impact of L1 Cache Size

The increase in L1 cache size directly affects performance. A larger cache allows the CPU to store more instructions and data, reducing the time taken for memory access. With the Intel DX 2 chip having 16 kilobytes of L1 cache in its right-back cache version, it had a clear advantage over the AMD DX 2 chip in terms of total cache size.

Comparison of Right Through and Right Back Cache Versions

While the right-back cache versions of the Intel and AMD DX 2 chips should theoretically perform equally due to their identical cache size, it is essential to note that the Intel chip with right-through cache and double the L1 cache size may outperform the AMD chip in certain applications. It is important to compare the same type of cache when evaluating the performance of these chips.

Benchmark Results

To gauge the performance of the DX 2 chips accurately, a series of benchmarks were conducted. These benchmarks tested various aspects of the chips' capabilities and provided insights into their real-world performance. Let's examine the results obtained from these benchmarks.

Benchmarks Used

Several benchmarks were used to analyze the performance of the DX 2 chips. These benchmarks included 3D Bench, PCP Bench, Doom, Quake, and SpeedSis. By using a combination of graphical and computational tests, a comprehensive overview of the chips' performance was obtained.

Comparison of Intel and AMD DX 2 Chips

The benchmark results revealed that the Intel and AMD DX 2 chips performed almost identically across multiple tests. The slight differences observed were within the margin of error and could be attributed to the variations in individual systems. Both chips showcased similar capabilities and delivered comparable performance in various applications and games.

Comparison of Cyrix DX 2 Chip

The Cyrix DX 2 chip exhibited slightly lower performance compared to the Intel and AMD chips in most benchmarks. While there were a few instances where the Cyrix chip outperformed the others, the overall performance was consistently behind. However, it is important to note that certain programs or games may show varying performance levels on the Cyrix chip, and further testing may be required.

Compatibility with Operating Systems

Apart from performance, the compatibility of the DX 2 chips with different operating systems is an essential aspect to consider. In this section, we will explore the compatibility of the chips with OS/2 Warp, a popular operating system during that era.

OS/2 Warp Compatibility

Both the Intel and AMD DX 2 chips proved to be compatible with OS/2 Warp. When tested, they successfully booted the operating system without any major issues. This indicates that users can confidently use either of these chips while running OS/2 Warp.

Issues with AMD DX 2 Chip

However, it was noted that certain versions of the AMD DX 2 chip experienced compatibility issues with OS/2 Warp. This issue may arise from the specific version of OS/2 Warp used or the system configuration. Further investigation and testing are required to pinpoint the exact cause of the compatibility problem.

Issues with Cyrix DX 2 Chip

The Cyrix DX 2 chip encountered an error during the compatibility test with OS/2 Warp, suggesting potential compatibility issues. Users looking to run OS/2 Warp may encounter challenges with the Cyrix chip and should consider alternative processor options.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the DX 2 chips from Intel and AMD provided comparable performance with slight variations observed within the margin of error. Both chips proved to be reliable options for retro computing enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Cyrix DX 2 chip exhibited lower overall performance and potential compatibility issues with certain operating systems. When choosing between the Intel and AMD DX 2 chips, users can make their decision based on personal preferences and availability. It is important to consider specific use cases and compatibility requirements when selecting the most suitable CPU for a retro computing setup.

资源链接：LG's DX2 CPU Faceoff