Via Cyrix worth its weight in gold or salt?

[DE]

Hi all, I am putting together a car pc system and have a spare intel s370 100mhz matx board that I was going to use. Since I don't need a lot of computing power, and since power consumption and heat are a big issue, I was thinking of running one of the samuel 2's. Probably the 700 since pricewatch lists them for $35. Anyone have experience with any of these chips? The reviews I've seen indicate they trail cerlerons running at the same mhz. But the lower wattage was of interest. Also what about compatibility? Do they work on all boards?


Thanks
Dylan
Tbird 750 (150x6.5)
Epox8kta3
Cel 333 (100x5)
GVC BX

[Kingslayer]

They will run on any board that the new Celerons will run on. They more than trial the Celeron, power wise the Cyrix chips are pathetic.

But I think a car PC unit this chip would actually shine. You don't need a powerhouse of a chip, it's low wattage. low heat, and low dollar. I think for an in-car MP3 system the Cyrix would more than meet your needs. Most in-car systems that I have seen run something in the 200-300Mhz range and for playing MP-3's they work great.

For this type of application I would actually recommend the Cyrix over any other chip.

[Pinky]

You'll have to answer some of those questions through research as we only have a few Cyrix users (that is the chip you're referring to, right?).

They perform slower because they have no advanced instructions/L2 cache/etc... but their multiplier is unlocked and great tweak toys.

[Sohryu Asuka Langley]

Its does have L2. VIA even bet intel to making the first BGA-type CPU too.

[TUK101]

You are going to want to check for compatability on that Cyrix chip with the mobo you are using, cause the new cyrix chips are not compatable with all boards. The reason that I know is that I checked into the Cyrix chip myself since they are so cheap, and they do have MMX and 3DNow instructions set into them now. The new Cyrix chip was only a bit slower than the Celeron chip in the tests that I saw run on them, and runs impressively cool. Check it out before you buy, and make sure that it will work with your board, cause im not sure, but I think the new Cyrix chips only work on VIA chipsets, but not for positive.