Paul,
Vertical Integration
Fortunatelly, we are moving in that direction. I am still surprised that Sledgehammer will debut in a configuration with integrated Northbridge, but if AMD is doing it for high end, there is no reason not to do it with Duron for example, since that chip should be destined to be an economy single processor solution.
Once AMD moves to CPU(s) + Northbridge + LDT connection, half of the problem is gone (or half of the integration is done). Another advantage of this approach (if this in fact is the direction) is that AMD chipsets will not be punished by substandard performance of the virtual gorilla partners (Via, Sis, Ali). The performance critical part will be done by AMD, and there will be less room for Via, Sis, Ali to screw up.
Joe
PS: Via's press release of propriatery (non LDT) via.com.tw shows a complete lack of desire for ths AMD-Via partnership to be a 2 way street. If Via standardized on LDT, it would have a good chance to become widely used, or even the industry standard. It may still happen, but AMD will have to push it on it's own/
PPS: They should use that money to make their own chipsets :)
AMD may presently be doing just that, but we have to get over the unfortunate sutuation we are in right now. Here is what someone (who may be on the inside) says (on JC's BBS):
Who's going to do it? The public is demanding IGD4 and Viper+ and MP support etc... No one is left.
jc-news.com
PPPS: Does anybody know what IGD4 or Viper+ is? |
