🚀 go-pugleaf

Everybody owning, considering buying a Cyrix 6x86 should read this.

In a previous post in alt.computer.consultants I wrote:
The problem is that the system has been behaving strangely when 
transferring data via the modem. Starting cold, it dials and logs on 
fine. Then when web browsing or FTP'ing, it starts off going full
speed (>2.4 Kb/s) for a minute or so. Then, after about 155KB of data
has been transferred, it starts stalling out and the transfer rate
drops gradually to less than 100 B/s. The rate never recovers until
after I shut down the system for a while. Just rebooting doesn't 
fix it. Also, the system crashed a few times after, but not necessarily
during, using the modem. It also disconnected itself a few times during
the stalling periods. 

One thing I didn't mention in my previous post was the fact that my system
features a Cyrix 6x86 P166+.

Based on these symptoms, I exhaustively experimented with my system 
settings and drivers for both the modem and sound card. I replaced the ROM
chip in my Sportster Voice 33.6K, based on rumors about a hardware bug.
Nothing worked consistently. I started physically removing the sound card, 
and that seemed to work, but it still wasn't consistent, since sometimes 
things would work fine with the card still in. 
It gradually became apparent that the only times the system was working
correctly was when the minitower cover was off. This would indicate an
overheating problem.
I tested this by transferring data over the modem with the cover both ON
and OFF.
With it on, the modem transfer of data consistently stalled to near zero
bytes/sec after about 3 to 5 minutes. Removing the cover (system still on
and connected to the network) and blowing a room fan on the motherboard 
resulted in a complete recovery within 30 seconds. I did this several times 
and it was totally repeatable.     
I recently read an article (in PC Week, Aug. 19th) which talked about the
Cyrix 6x86 chips having a tendency to overheat, due to irresponsible
quality control on the part of the manufacturer. I found this very hard to
believe. My case is the standard one I've seen Cyrix systems advertised in
all over. It has the standard extra heat sink, and fan on the CPU, along
with the fan sucking air in through the front and the fan in the power
supply. Its like a wind tunnel in there. The room temperature is at the
most 72 degrees. I even took the empty port covers off the back to increase 
the air circulation inside. I have to admit that I agree with all the people
 who say the 6x86 P166+ is fast as hell, but the fact is THEY OVERHEAT!!!!!! 
The symptoms in my case showed up mainly in data transfer on the comm port,
and less often in occasional crashes. 

Cyrix tech support was little help. First they said that the CPU voltage 
may have been set too high (It wasn't). Then they said the fan may be too
slow. They later denied this and began insisting that the motherboard may
 be incompatible. I had to check the list at their web site for 
compatability. A pretty small list. Never mind that my motherboard manual
 states that it IS compatible with the 6x86. 
SO, they won't take any responsibility for the problems, and advised me
to go complain to my PC manufacturer. What happened to Full Pentium 
Compatability??. Bullshit, they were only referring to software applications
that they tested. 

My advice is to stay away from the 6x86. You might save a few bucks at first,
but its not worth the tons aggravation you may be setting yourself up for by
not going with "the standard". 

Any comments or similar experiences with Cyrix chips? 

Dave C