Ask A Scientist© Computer Science Archive

Index Key:   CSI004
Author:      John Bennett
Subject:     What is the difference between DX vs DLC? SLC? DLC?
Text:        I have a fairly good idea about what 486DX and 486SX mean.  DX 
refers to a 32 bit pathway and SX to a 16 bit pathway.  But, what does "SLC" 
or "DLC" refer to?  Thank you.

Response #: 1 of 2
Author:     Daniel Lee Luchinski
Text:       You stated that the differences between a DX and a SX is a 32 bit 
pathway versus a 16 bit pathway.  This is only partially correct.  On 386 
computers, a 386SX computer passes data into the microprocessor via 32 bits 
and out of the microprocessor via 16 bits.  On a 386DX computer, you have 
information passed in and out of the microprocessor via a 32 bit pathway.  On 
486 computers, this is not the case.  On a 486, if you have a 486SX, then the 
math coprocessor is disabled.  On a 486DX, the math coprocessor is enabled.  
As for "SLC" and "DLC," "SLC" is like a SX and "DLC" is like a DX, except that 
they have low power (3 volt) consumption and they are cache processors. This 
information was acquired from IBM.

Response #: 2 of 2
Author:     Chris Baker
Text:       These low power LC chips were designed for notebook and laptop 
computers to save the limited battery power - FYI.