Cyrix Joins Exodus From 486 Market

Cyrix Corp. on Friday forecast a loss for the fourth quarter and said it would write off its inventory of 486 computer chips.

The company said the loss should be around 40 cents per share, though it has not precisely calculated the amount. It also said the loss means it will go into default on credit agreements.

A Cyrix spokesman said the full size of the write-off will be announced with its regular quarterly performance statement on Jan. 18.

Another microprocessor maker, Advanced Micro Devices Inc., on Monday forecast a lower than expected profit because of disappointing sales of 486 chips.

By exiting the 486 business, Cyrix executives said they would be able to concentrate on the 586 and an even more advanced chip, called the 6x86, that went on sale in October.