Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[sgolds]

morrowinder -

No nx bit?

There are both K7 and K8 Semprons. Presumably the K8 Semprons support the NX bit, but the K7 can not.

I think this strategy is risky. It stretches the model number credibility(comparing to Celeron is a weak argument). Could lower asps too...

AMD has to decide whether to be a boutique seller of high end processors or a mass market x86 supplier. In 2004 AMD is production constrained so they are focussed on the high end server and mobile parts, ceding the Celeron space to Intel (until this release).

Now AMD is effectively doubling their production output by reducing geometries to 90nm while simultaneously releasing cores that do not have excess cache or HT connections (tailoring each core to the target market). Yes, offering Semprons will reduce overall ASPs. Effective 90nm will reduce cost.

There is risk in all things. The upside potential is higher margins and higher volumes on a new process, even with a lower ASP. This adds up to good profit!

The time to strike is right now while Intel is weak. (You did see Barrett's frustrated letter to his employees, no?)