Replies to post #7686 on Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[chipguy]

The R2000 needed external caches to function. It used a Harvard architecture with
separate data port/cache arrays for the I$ and D$ functions. To save pins they used a
multiplexed address/tag bus that operated at twice the CPU clock rate and required
external latch components. Adding all necessary external components to equal the
basic functionality of a 386 on its own meant the R2000 system burned a lot more
power for CPU functionality.