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by sgt 1517 days ago
The SX makes it practically a 286, right?
2 comments

Sort of. 32 bit internally, 16 bit externally. Not as fast as the DX but had all the processor modes so could run protected mode unlike the 286.

One place I worked we sold a 286 upgrade board that had a 386sx and a few support chips. Undearneath was a 286 style socket. You removed your 286 and put this thing in its place. They worked OK and provided a decent speed boost.

Amstrad's last great PC series (the 3x86 series made with very standard components, unlike the unusual 2x86 series) used this strategy for the 3386, I think.
The 286 is a 16-bit CPU, whereas the 386 is 32-bit CPU.

This alone made the 386 far more capable and compatible with modern software (Linux requires 32-bit).