Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[HailMary]

If Intel spent the last several years on a brand new micro-architecture

You do realize AMD is also working on a new micro-architecture, don't you? AMD has not been sitting still since k8 originally appeared several years ago.

So don't get your hopes up too high. If Intel nails Conroe, Woodcrest, and Merom, which I'll admit looks promising given their early demo in August, they may pull back to performance parity or even jump ahead for a short time at the end of next year. AMD could be close behind with another leap of their own.

If Intel messes up Conroe, Woodcrest, and Merom in any way, they are in big trouble. This is their last hope. I hope for your sake you have hedged your bets. AMD will be able to supply a significant market share at the exit of 2006 with the combination of Fab30, Fab36, and Chartered, and that could put a serious dent in Intel if they haven't improved their lineup.

Good luck to you in any case.