Rarest x86 processor unveiled in chip collector's collection - The Rise mP6, running at 200MHz, made its appearance in 1998
In the late 1990s, a lesser-known player emerged in the competitive world of CPUs - Rise Technology, with their Rise mP6 266 processor. Despite its rarity and limited market presence, the Rise mP6 266 CPU played a significant role in the evolution of x86-compatible CPUs, particularly those supporting the MMX multimedia instruction set.
Manufactured during a time when giants like Intel and AMD dominated the market, the Rise mP6 was designed to offer cost-effective, low-power computing while maintaining compatibility with established standards like Super Socket 7. This allowed it to run existing software designed for Socket 7 motherboards.
The Rise mP6 266 CPU, with its clock speed of 200 MHz and TDP of 8.54W, could be passively cooled during its era. It was marketed to perform on a par with a 266 MHz Intel Pentium, a claim that, while uncommon for a relatively unknown CPU, was not entirely unfounded.
The Rise mP6 CPU line, unfortunately, fizzled out before the turn of the millennium, contributing to its scarcity on the used market today. The Rise mP6 266 CPU, in particular, has become a collector's item, with one example recently purchased from a China eBay account, new old stock.
The Rise mP6 266 CPU's status as the "rarest x86 CPU" is suggested by konkretor, a reputable source in the CPU community. The scarcity of the Rise mP6 266 CPU can be attributed to its early demise and the limited resources available for it, with only a few notes about the short-lived CPU family found on Wikipedia.
Interestingly, during the same era, AMD and Cyrix also used the P-rating scheme, a practice that extended to chips from Intel's rivals. This industry naming trend resulted in the Rise mP6 266 CPU's name and frequency (200 MHz) not matching, a quirk that adds to its unique charm.
The Rise mP6 266 CPU's legacy lives on in System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions developed by SiS, demonstrating its use in embedded or integrated systems beyond just desktop CPUs. One such motherboard that can accommodate the Rise mP6 266 CPU is the Asus P5A-B, featuring the ALi Aladdin V chipset and supporting overclocking.
As the Rise mP6 266 CPU continues to capture the interest of collectors and enthusiasts, a PDF copy of the processor data sheet for the 333 and 366 MHz brethren of the TSMC-fabbed 250nm Rise mP6 266 CPU can still be found online, offering a glimpse into its technical specifications.
In conclusion, the Rise mP6 266 CPU, while uncommon, played an interesting role in the history of x86 CPUs. Its rarity, coupled with its unique place in CPU history, makes it a fascinating subject for those with a passion for technology and its evolution.
In the realm of technology, the Rise mP6 CPU line was pioneering, offering cost-effective, low-power gadgets that maintained compatibility with established standards, such as Super Socket 7. These unique gadgets, designed by Rise Technology, were marketed to perform on par with established brands, like Intel Pentium, despite operating in a time when giants like AMD and Intel dominated the market.
