Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!samsung!uakari.primate.wisc.edu!sdd.hp.com!hplabs!hpfcso!hpfinote!pnl From: pnl@hpfinote.HP.COM (Peter Lim) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc Subject: Re: Re: Difference between a 386 and a 386sx Message-ID: <35010017@hpfinote.HP.COM> Date: 18 Sep 90 18:29:13 GMT References: <935@sppy00.UUCP> Organization: Hewlett Packard CICD Lines: 28 386sx is a pure 16 bit version of the 386. 100% compatible software-wise, ie. supports all 386 instructions. However, the 16 bit bus means at least twice as slow (for same MHz) in all I/O including memory read/write. Fastest version available is 16 MHz (or may be there are some 20 MHz ones). Whereas the 386 can run from 16 MHz to 33 MHz. > instructions, but the memory buss (for example) is only 16 bits. A sx is like > a 286 with 32 bit instructions and more speed. > This is generally not correct. In most situation, a 286 machine will run faster than a 386sx machine (at same MHz). But 386sx can run 386 specific software. So, the 386sx is a dead end in speed but has a bright future in term of software compatibility now that we are seeing more and more 386 specific programs coming out. Regards, ## Life is fast enough as it is ........ Peter Lim. ## .... DON'T PUSH IT !! >>>-------, ########################################### : E-mail: plim@hpsgwg.HP.COM Snail-mail: Hewlett Packard Singapore, : Tel: (065)-279-2289 (ICDS, ICS) | Telnet: 520-2289 1150 Depot Road, __\@/__ ... also at: pnl@hpfipnl.HP.COM Singapore 0410. SPLAT ! #include