SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Technology Stocks : Advanced Micro Devices - Moderated (AMD)
AMD 214.18-0.5%3:59 PM EST
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: Mani1 who wrote (51712)8/20/2001 10:52:50 AM
From: heatsinker2Read Replies (1) of 275872
 
Mani- AMD's die can simply handle a lot higher temperature than Intel can. Why? I don't know.

Nice technical details. I am saving this post for future reference.

Now why is Intel Tjmax less than the AMD Tjmax? I can come up with these possible reasons:

1. Intel designs with a greater margin of safety. For example, Intc may be targeting a lifetime of 10 years while AMD thinks 8 years is acceptable. It has to be said that microprocessors usually last a pretty long time (the PC becomes hopelessly outdated before the chip dies), so a lower design lifetime could be acceptable.

2. Due to ignorance, AMD is using a lower margin of safety. It is ENTIRELY possible that AMD is not as good as Intel in reliability matters. They think that Athlons will live as long as a p3, but they won't.

3. Intel uses lower cost packages which can't handle the temperature cycles. To oversimplify a bit, semiconductors die due to either elevated operating temperatures (lifetime reduced by a factor of 2 for each 10C increase in Tj) or temperature cycling (mechanical stresses related to thermal expansion). AMD has been using ceramic packages which have better thermal cycling performance because of a better match of expansion coefficient between silicon and the package materials.

So I vote for #3, althought I don't completely rule out #2 (ignorance is bliss). With crazy Jerry at the helm, #1 is also a possibility.
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2025 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News