AMD CEO Apple will use AMD chips someday
updated 01:50 pm EDT, Thu September 21, 2006
Apple to use AMD chips?
AMD CEO Hector Ruiz has suggested that Apple will eventually use AMD processors in some of its future systems, so as not to be held "hostage" to exclusive pricing deals from Intel. At a late dinner in San Francisco the executive criticized Intel for reducing competition to a matter of price through its earlier monopoly of computer architecture, and cited previous examples of exclusive pricing deals with Dell as well as other manufacturers. Dell's recent decision to use AMD processors marks the latest in a series of defections that are breaking Intel's once unshakable grip on mainstream computer manufacturers, according to Electronista. [updated]
AMD recently announced that it would spend $5.4 billion to acquire graphics giant ATI, which currently supplies the majority of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) used in Apple systems. Interestingly, Intel is the supplier of CPUs for the Cupertino-based company's new Macs, working closely with Apple engineers to perfect new mobile and desktop systems. News of the acquisition proved the root of much speculation surrounding whether Apple would forego future deals with ATI in favor of Nvidia, ATI's arch-rival in GPU production.
Following AMDs acquisition announcement in late July, Intel in early August asked the U.S. District Court for the District of Deleware permission to serve ATI a subpoena for important documents which it believes will affect its ability to compete in the processor market. AMD filed an antitrust case against Intel in June of 2005, alleging that the chip giant used its dominance of the x86 microprocessor market to discourage PC manufacturers as well as retailers from purchasing AMD chips.
funny.
09/21, 02:10pm reply
So that guy is whining that Intel is "reducing competition to a matter of price"?
That's funny. Last time I looked, the latest chip offerings from Intel were eating AMD's chips for breakfast, from a performance point of view.
Jeronimo2000
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Karma
09/21, 03:48pm reply
Apple has a bad karma on suppliers. From Motorola, IBM, and now to the "unshakable" Intel. pfffft
suhail
Senior User
Joined: Nov 1999
Maybe
09/21, 04:26pm reply
I think the AMD guy may be right if AMD ever gains the performace advantage again. Steve Jobs, however, is friends with Intel's CEO.
Terrin
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Joined: Jan 2006
This isn't news!
09/21, 04:32pm reply
GFR!
An industry exec indulging in wishful thinking is NOT the same as a corporate announcement of an order from an new customer.
RobertMac
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Joined: Mar 2005
Non-issue.
09/21, 04:55pm reply
You all know Apple has Macs running on AMD chips in their labs right now, right? Just like how Apple had Macs running on Intel chips ever since OS X 10.0 came out. Steve has said over and over again that choice is good. I sincerely doubt he's backed himself into a corner with Intel.
If it ever comes down to it, Apple would be able to switch over to AMD chips very quickly. Luckily for us, Intel is delivering big-time on their roadmap, so we really have nothing to complain about at the moment.
Zak Nilsson
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Joined: Mar 1999
Re: maybe
09/21, 04:57pm reply
Of course they'll go to AMD. When Intel stops supplying chips in the units apple needs, they'll head off again, just like they have before. Apple wants to make sure they get all the manufacturers in, too. So I think Cyrix will get some Apple love, as well as Transmeta.
But I don't think it would happen anytime soon. Intel has invested way too much in their relationship with Apple to let them just go to some other company.
testudo
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Joined: Aug 2001
But...
09/21, 05:00pm reply
going with AMD only makes sense if AMD can finally guarantee a smooth flow of product. The main reason Steve chose to go with Intel was simply that he knew they would have the chips when they said they would.
bigpoppa206
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Joined: Jun 2003
Only reason
09/22, 12:25am reply
The only main reason Apple went with Intel is for marketing purpose sake and not because Steve knew Intel would have have the chips he needed. A lot of my friends who owns macs (and not very techy sounded) don't know know who and what AMD is. When they hear intel they hear that familiar 'marketed' chime.
devilla101
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Joined: Dec 2003
uh... what?
09/22, 04:29pm reply
devilla, there is so much wrong with your post I don't even know where to start. You think Apple only went with Intel for marketing reasons? Why would they do that when they were already using IBM for their chips? Everybody knows who IBM is, right? Second, Intel had a better roadmap than AMD did at the time, and now look - Intel is wiping the floor with AMD. Obviously Apple made the right choice, because Intel came through on their roadmap.
Zak Nilsson
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Joined: Mar 1999