"Keep in mind that about half the processor was created using logic synthesis of HDL"
Yeah, I am aware of that. I realize that I was confusing process and design again, and I do know the difference. I realize that AMD did a lot more work on the low level than IBM did, and each had their own set of reasons for doing it that way. The point I was trying to make is that AMD does have some degree of expertise at this point in time, and IBM very well could want to take advantage.
It is also likely that AMD has pushed their process more than IBM has theirs, although there is no real way of telling at this point.
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