Pierre, you take an interesting point on AMD, but in the end their success and the drop in prices will depend on their ability to quickly get yields up and improve device shrinks. It's interesting to see that AMD is just now getting their .25 micron processes to crank. They've also chosen some different methods of manufacturing which require less processing steps.
Now, they want to get to .18 and on from there. Each device shrink increases the number of chips on the cookie cutter. If you have more higher speed chips based usually on location on the wafer, you'll also see a higher percentage of chips binning at the fastest lock speed. As a follower, AMD is breathing down Intel's neck much more than ever before.
It was interesting to note also that Intel had not updated their design, but was more intent on the device shrink. AMD has perhaps added something to improve just the problems you site. The mere fact that it could be suggested that AMD could surpass Intel is exciting.
Anyway, it's the manufacturing execution that has handicapped AMD. If they could ever get that product out, it would change the rules. The fear that they would have gotten better yields is what drove down Intel's share price. Well, it didn't happen.
Then as an investment, you have to wonder when other AMD core businesses like flash memory will be profitable, if ever.
Anyway, we all benefit from strong competition.
Regards,
Mark |
