Packard Bell NEC to Use Cyrix M II? and MediaGX? Processors

Cyrix technology enables retail innovator to deliver exceptional value to entry-level market

May 21, 1998 - Cyrix® Corporation, a National Semiconductor? company (NYSE: NSM), today announced that Packard Bell NEC, the leader in U.S. retail PC sales, will offer desktop systems using Cyrix processors. Packard Bell NEC and Cyrix have also agreed to work together in a strategic alliance pursuing future developments based on National Semiconductor's PC-on-a-chip initiatives.

Packard Bell NEC will incorporate the Cyrix MMX?-enhanced MediaGX? integrated processor and the recently announced MMX-enhanced M II? processor in a range of desktop PCs which will be sold through Packard Bell NEC's retail channel partners. Product details will be announced later by Packard Bell NEC.

"This is an industry first for Packard Bell NEC. By partnering with Cyrix, we strengthen our commitment to bring the latest technology at the greatest value, quickly to the market and into customers' hands," said Brent Cohen, president of Packard Bell NEC's consumer division. "Our partnership with Cyrix also allows us to pursue National's innovative PC-on-a-chip initiative which will define a new category of low-priced PCs with greatly improved performance for customers," Cohen added.

"Packard Bell NEC has been a leader and innovator in the retail channel since the company was founded," said Brian Halla, CEO of National Semiconductor, Cyrix Corporation's parent company. "The Packard Bell and NEC brands backed by Cyrix technology provide customers uncompromising performance and unbeatable value. We've worked closely with Packard Bell NEC for a long time to bring this to fruition, and we look forward to continuing our strategic relationship."

Cyrix Corporation
Cyrix, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Semiconductor, is a leading supplier of innovative processor-based solutions that set new standards for the personal computer market. Cyrix delivers compelling value and quality to its customers, the manufacturers of personal computer products, by combining industry-leading design with world-class manufacturing. Cyrix's MediaGX? processor pioneered the sub-$1,000 PC market in 1997 and continues to lead the market to higher performance at lower prices.

Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
Based in Sacramento, Calif., privately held Packard Bell NEC, Inc. is the number-three supplier of personal computers in the United States and the number-five supplier worldwide. The company designs, manufactures and markets a broad range of desktop, notebook and mobile computers, and network servers under the Packard Bell, NEC and Zenith Data Systems brands. Packard Bell NEC's major manufacturing operations are in Sacramento; Fife, Wash.; Angers, France; Sao Paolo, Brazil; and Penang, Malaysia. For more information on Packard Bell NEC, visit www.packardbell.com.

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Cyrix is a registered trademark and MediaGX and M II are trademarks of Cyrix Corporation, a subsidiary of National Semiconductor Corporation. MMX is a trademark of Intel Corporation. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.