AMD 5x86

The processor AMD 5x86 is a compatible processor x86 presented in 1995 by AMD. Intended to be used in the computers based on one 486, it was one of fastest and the most universal way to level its computer 486.

Presented in November 1995, the AMD 5x86 (also known under the name of 5x86-133, Am5x86, X5-133, and sold under various marks such as “Turbochip”) is a processor Am486 standard with a multiplying coefficient interns of 4, allowing him to function to 133 MHz on mother charts for processors 486 DX2 or DX4 not having multipliers of clock. Like the majority of the processors to come after the 486, the 5x86 comprised a mask L1 Write-back, and with the difference in all the others except some, an important mask of 16 Kio in the place of one more common of 8 Kio. Rare specimens with 150 MHz were also produced by AMD.

The socket 3 was not conceived to have a quadruplor of clock, AMD made so that the 5x86 sought a lapping machine of frequency on the mother chart and made it function like a quadruplor. To use the 5x86 you were to configure the mother chart in 2x, Which made really function the 5x86 with 4x. Physically, the processor could adapt in a socket 486 older such as the socket 1 or 2 or the original socket to 168 pins, but a voltage regulator was necessary, since the processor functioned with 3,3 volts.

The combination of a better frequency of clock and Write-back mask made it possible the 5x86 to equalize or exceed slightly a processor Pentium to 75 MHz. Moreover, because it was conceived on a basis of 486, it was compatible with older systems, which handicapped its faster rival slightly, the Cyrix Cx5x86. The processor was generally surcadençé to 160 MHz, giving of this fact a speed similar to Pentium 100. Although one announced surcadençages successful to 200 MHz, that was not really realizable because of the little of video charts which could function on a bus VESA to 50 MHz.

The 5x86 is also known to be the first to use P.Rating. Since the 5x86 was the equal one of a Pentium processor to 75 MHz, AMD launched later the processor under the name “AM5x86-P75”.

The sales of Am5x86 were an important source of income for AMD at one time when the delay of production prolonged of AMD K5 threatened the profitability of the company.

AMD manufactured the processor 5x86 for ordinary PC until in 1999. It was popular for desktop machines of line entry, appeared in many various models of portables, and was also sold separately like processor of levelling for the computers containing 486. Several companies made kits of levelling which incorporated a AMD 5x86 with a voltage regulator and a converter of socket, which allowed its use on almost any mother chart 486 existing. The chip is always in production today, and is popular as embarked controller.

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