Re: I think a objective analysis of AMD's fab capacity and Athlon output shows they have yield problems that limit production.
I'll grant you that AMD has encountered chipset delays that postponed expansion into new markets. But processor yield problems? Do you have access to pricewatch? Do you think that all those parts at all those speeds are available because AMD is having yield problems?
More to the point, it's relatively easy to get high yields of low clock speed parts - but it doesn't make much money. IMHO, the pricing indicates that Intel is yielding lots of midrange and low end parts, but isn't having much luck with high end parts. This is, of course, a binsplit issue rather than a pure yield issue. But recent variations in supply seem to indicate that when Intel targets its process to produce high end parts, yields collapse. Now that Intel has given up on GHZ+ parts and retargeted their process, yields are OK and supply (of midrange and low end parts) is in surplus.
But AMD's lineup for the next quarter includes 1GHZ, 1.1GHZ, 1.2GHZ, and "faster" and those low end and midrange chips Intel is finally yielding may not be worth much.
Being one speed grade behind is almost a non-issue, but 3 speed grades behind?
Maybe P4 will save the day. Will P4 systems loaded with CDRW, DVD, 19" monitor, and a high end video card come in at the $1,500 to $2,500 price range that is what the market is currently willing to pay for a high end machine?
Dan |
