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From: wbonner@yoda.eecs.wsu.edu (Wim Bonner)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware
Subject: Re: 486SX - Intel now telling lies
Message-ID: <1991May30.034409.774@serval.net.wsu.edu>
Date: 30 May 91 03:44:09 GMT
References: <9105241448.AA14412@iecc.cambridge.ma.us> <1991May25.192449.27061@cunixf.cc.columbia.edu> <1991May29.191233.18863@cunixf.cc.columbia.edu> <1991May29.212337.7684@thyme.jpl.nasa.gov>
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In article <1991May29.212337.7684@thyme.jpl.nasa.gov> kaleb@thyme.jpl.nasa.gov (Kaleb Keithley) writes:
>Considering street price for a full up 486 is about US$700-800, why
>would anyone want to pay $300 for the 486SX, plus $700 for the 487SX?

The theory is that a lot of people do not nead the extra math capabilities, and
so would not need to pay for a completely functioning chip.  Having the 487sx
allows for an upgrade path still.

>Personally, I think if Intel can produce a i486, disable the FPU, and sell
>it for $250, while selling a i486 without disabling the FPU for $800
>(whether they call it an i486 or an i487SX is academic), that the whole 
>world should punish Intel for their arrogance by refusing to buy any 
>i486 product whatsoever.  

Actually, I believe the 486sx originally came about as a way to recoup some
of the expense of all of the bad chips they had sitting around.  You know, 
the early release 486 chips were just fine except for problems with the FPU,
so if they then can hit a spot with a laser and diable the fpu completely,
they can sell off all of their old wafers without a problem.  It also makes
it easier for checking.  When the chip comes out of the plant, it is tested,
if the math has problems, but nothing else, burn it and sell it as a 486sx.

Wim

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