# Joshua

> Project name for a Cyrix III processor

**Wikidata**: [Q12349971](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12349971)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/joshua

## Summary
Joshua is the project name for the Cyrix III processor, a microprocessor developed by Cyrix as part of the x86 architecture family. It was designed to compete with Intel's Pentium III and targeted low-cost computing systems. Announced in 2000 and released in 2001, it played a role in the budget PC market during the early 2000s.

## Key Facts
- **Developer**: Cyrix (later acquired by VIA Technologies in 2001).
- **Project Name**: Codename for the Cyrix III processor.
- **Named After**: Biblical figure Joshua.
- **Architecture**: x86-compatible microprocessor.
- **Release**: Announced in 2000, commercially released in 2001.
- **Specifications**: Based on the MediaGX core, fabricated using a 0.18 µm process, with clock speeds up to 600 MHz.
- **Market Positioning**: Competed with Intel Pentium III and AMD Duron processors.
- **Use Case**: Primarily used in budget desktops and low-power systems.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Joshua in the context of computer hardware?
A: Joshua is the codename for the Cyrix III processor, a microprocessor developed by Cyrix for the x86 architecture market.

### Q: Who developed the Joshua processor?
A: The Joshua (Cyrix III) processor was developed by Cyrix, a company later acquired by VIA Technologies in 2001.

### Q: When was the Joshua processor released?
A: The Cyrix III (Joshua) was announced in 2000 and released to the market in 2001.

## Why It Matters
Joshua represents Cyrix's effort to maintain relevance in the competitive x86 processor market during the early 2000s. As a budget-oriented alternative to Intel's Pentium III and AMD's Duron, it helped drive affordability in entry-level computing systems. Although it did not achieve widespread adoption, its development highlighted the challenges faced by smaller companies in a market dominated by Intel and AMD. The processor also marked a transitional phase for Cyrix, which was acquired by VIA Technologies shortly after the Cyrix III's release. Joshua's story underscores the broader narrative of innovation and competition in the semiconductor industry, particularly in the x86 ecosystem.

## Notable For
- **Project Codename**: Served as the development name for the Cyrix III processor.
- **Competitive Targeting**: Positioned to challenge Intel's Pentium III in the budget PC segment.
- **Architectural Heritage**: Built on Cyrix's MediaGX core, emphasizing integrated graphics and low power consumption.
- **Corporate Transition**: One of the last major projects under the Cyrix brand before its acquisition by VIA Technologies.

## Body

### Development Background
Joshua was developed by Cyrix, a company known for its x86-compatible processors like the 6x86 and MediaGX. The Cyrix III (Joshua) was designed as a successor to the MediaGX, focusing on low-cost systems. It retained the integrated graphics and peripheral controllers of its predecessor but aimed to improve performance for general computing tasks.

### Technical Specifications
- **Core**: Based on the MediaGX architecture, optimized for low power consumption.
- **Process Node**: Manufactured using a 0.18 µm process.
- **Clock Speeds**: Initial releases operated at speeds up to 600 MHz.
- **Bus Speed**: Supported a 100 MHz front-side bus.
- **Compatibility**: Fully compatible with x86 software, ensuring interoperability with Windows and other PC operating systems.

### Market Positioning
The Cyrix III (Joshua) targeted budget-conscious consumers and OEMs producing low-cost desktops. It competed directly with Intel's Celeron and AMD's Duron processors but struggled to match their performance in many applications. Despite this, it found niche adoption in embedded systems and value-oriented PCs.

### Release and Legacy
Announced in 2000, the Cyrix III launched in 2001 amid a crowded and competitive market. Shortly after its release, Cyrix was acquired by VIA Technologies, which shifted focus to the VIA C3 processor. The Joshua project ultimately did not achieve long-term success, but it remains a notable example of the challenges faced by secondary x86 processor manufacturers during the early 2000s.