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Technology Stocks : Advanced Micro Devices - Moderated (AMD)
AMD 259.65+2.3%Jan 23 9:30 AM EST

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To: Scumbria who wrote (28584)2/15/2001 12:59:28 PM
From: Joe NYCRead Replies (1) of 275872
 
Scumbria,

Why would AMD want an on-chip memory controller? That would put them in competition with their chipset suppliers.

For performance and cost saving reasons. By doing this, AMD would eliminate only the Northbridge suppliers. Via is happy to supply Southbridge only to motherboard suppliers who use AMD Northbridge, so this will just be more of the same.

The cost savings can be significant. For AMD to add the memory controller to a processor with say .13u process technology, it will take minimum amount of silicon, and the cost would disappear in the cost of the CPU. AMD already spends design resources to create northbridges (750, 760, 760 MP), so the effort to put one on the CPU will be just redirecting existing resources.) But the savings to motherboard makers will be significant. No more NorthBridge, no need to run traces from northbridge to CPU(s).

Theoretically, if the entire Hammer family has built in memory controllers, you can go from single to a dual system just by replaceing the CPU, using the same (cheaper) motherboard, that should not be a lot more than $100.

Joe
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