Jim,
AMDs biggest problem is Mhz and no price premium because of it.
AMD has ModelHertz, and as long as there was a performance parity, AMD did fine (in Q4 and Q1). But performance parity was lost when Intel introduced 512K L2, and continued healthy MHz ramp, while AMD is still without 512K L2, and MHz ramp is slower, obviously resulting in loss of competitiveness.
To me, the worst part is that the silicon area saved by smaller CPU die of silicon (of Tbred), let's say 10 to 20%, reduces CPU prices by much more than 10 to 20%, so on revenue side, AMD ends up being a loser, as we see have seen from the latest announcement. On top of this, AMD will at present rate of sales of CPUs have spare capacity, once the conversion to .13u is fully in place. Hopefully, Barton will be available for sale at that time.
Joe |
