Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!samsung!emory!jdyx!david
From: david@jdyx.UUCP (David Mandell)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: 386 and 386SX...what is the difference?
Message-ID: <1990Feb7.050110.10627@jdyx.UUCP>
Date: 7 Feb 90 05:01:10 GMT
References: <13214.25cec56f@max.u.washington.edu>
Organization: JDyx Enterprises (Atlanta GA)
Lines: 36

scott@max.u.washington.edu writes:

>Hi,
>I don't know whether this question has been asked before....
>but just for those who missed the answer....
> 
>What is the difference between a 386 system and a 386SX system?
>Given the same configuration in terms of harware, which is the
>superior system?
> 
>Thanks
>Scott.

The REAL difference is that the 386SX uses a 16-bit data bus, whereas
the 386DX (more commonly known as plain old 386) uses a 32-bit data bus.
This means that memory accesses are slower.  So the system is slower.

BUT, the 386SX is CHEAPER than a comparable 386 machine.  Why not just get
a 286?  The reason is that the 386SX contains the complete 386 instruction
set ... so you will be able to run (mostly future) programs that make use
of this instruction set (including a flat addressing mode).  You could
think of the 386SX Vs. 386 as an 8088 Vs. 8086.  Can do the same stuff,
just slower.

So ... if you can afford it get a 386 system.  If not, get a 386SX.

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