Apple Considering Using AMD Chips

[cli-terminator]

Could Apple be ready to embrace the perennial underdog in the processors wars?

When Apple made the switch to Intel processors back in 2006, many in the Apple community were worried about what the future would be like for the the Mac platform. Apple owners didn't need to worry, however, as the move to Intel processors bought faster performance across the board and opened up Mac desktops and notebooks to faster refreshes -- not to mention that Mac computer sales have boomed since the adoption of Intel chips.

So all would seem to be well with the Apple-Intel relationship -- well, maybe not. In news that may come straight of left field for some, Apple Insider is reporting that Apple is in serious talks with AMD to provide processors for its Mac notebook and desktop platforms.

According to Apple Insider, “Representatives for the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based AMD have recently been seen on Apple's Commuter Coach buses, and executives for the chipmaker have been spotted on their way out of meetings with members of Apple's top brass.” The Apple-centric website goes on to add, "The meetings have reportedly included briefings by AMD that have since enabled Apple to begin working with AMD processors in its labs as part of an initiative to position the chips inside some of the company's forthcoming products."

According to DailyTech's own sources, Apple is said to be looking at a number of upcoming AMD technologies including the Fusion platform which will meld a microprocessor and GPU functions into a single die. The first 32nm Fusion processors will feature a Llano APU (up to four Phenom II core plus an integrated DX11 graphics core). These processors will debut in 2011 for mainstream notebook and desktop platforms.

Where does this leave Intel as a chip supplier for Apple? If Apple Insider's report and our sources are correct, it's quite possible that Intel may maintain its position as a supplier for high-end chips for Apple's MacBook Pro and iMac platforms. However, lower-level platforms like the MacBook, Mac mini, and the Apple TV “hobby” could be prime targets for AMD processors.

http://www.dailytech.com/Report+Apple+Considering+AMD+Chips/article18153.htm

 

[michant2]

This has to be a negotiating tactic because every AMD machine I've had (4) had processors that fried. And the performance was shitty as well. That's how I learned to stop trying to save a few bucks and go ahead and buy intel machines.


*edit* I was thinking about it, and another thing is that Intel makes low-end chips that they use to compete with AMD. If Apple wants to reduce prices on the mac minis and macbooks why not just use the lower-end intel chips?

 

[bbuzzard]

I don't think Apple will settle for AMD chips that won't perform...they have their history with the PowerPC chip for years letting IBM/Motorola to fuck up...I don't think they will repeat that...they need to get their Macbook and MacMini prices down and that's probably the best way to do it...

 

[mrcmd187]

Though Apple was making their own chip???

 

[Yogi Bear]

I don't think Apple will settle for AMD chips that won't perform...they have their history with the PowerPC chip for years letting IBM/Motorola to fuck up...I don't think they will repeat that...they need to get their Macbook and MacMini prices down and that's probably the best way to do it...

This is it. While AMD can't fuck with intel's top processors, AMD's top processors are better than intel's crippled processors and the price is cheaper.

 

[michant2]

Though Apple was making their own chip???

They're designing the chips, but someone else is manufacturing them. I think. And the chips they are designing are in the mobile devices right now. If I'm not mistaken. The AMD thing is interesting to them because of some technologies that AMD is planning on using and Apple might want to get their hands on it.

 

[veritech]

This has to be a negotiating tactic because every AMD machine I've had (4) had processors that fried. And the performance was shitty as well. That's how I learned to stop trying to save a few bucks and go ahead and buy intel machines.


*edit* I was thinking about it, and another thing is that Intel makes low-end chips that they use to compete with AMD. If Apple wants to reduce prices on the mac minis and macbooks why not just use the lower-end intel chips?

you obviously didn't know what you were doing. 95 percent of my builds (i build for others) have been amd chips and i have NEVER heard of a fried chip. i have been building for nearly 10 years and still have the first k6 i built. it still runs.......

 

[veritech]

This is it. While AMD can't fuck with intel's top processors, AMD's top processors are better than intel's crippled processors and the price is cheaper.

endorsed.

the only intel chip worth buying is a i7.

if you buy ANY other intel chip, i5 on down, you are simply wasting money.

 

[LennyNero1972]

Apple stay on the grind.

 

[kwazdog]

If that shit happens Im done, just give us the dam OS, let it run on whatever the fuck we choose...