Replies to post #43799 on Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[fastpathguru]

AMD64 is NOT what Andy would call an "inflection point".

An inflection point is defined an event whose seeming inconsequence does not normally portend the vast causal sea change which it implies. To be dealt with, it must be closely examined to contemplate the ramifications.*
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*Copyright DU Intergalactic Productions Amalgamated, S.A.. all rights reserved.

Is "Andy" from space? Normal humans use the term in a more general sense...


http://www.webster-dictionary.org/definition/inflection

"6. (Opt.) Same as Diffraction.
Point of inflection
(Geom.) the point on opposite sides of which a curve bends in contrary ways."

http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entries/19/i0131950.html

"NOUN: A moment of dramatic change, especially in the development of a company, industry, or market."

http://www.investorwords.com/2458/inflection_point.html

"A point on a chart that marks the beginning of a significant move, either up or down. "

fpg

[blauboad]

I'd argue that AMD64 is exactly the kind of inflection point you're talking about. (The fact that to you, it is "seemingly inconsequential" only strengthens the case.)

No AMD64, then no EM64T. No EM64T, then everyone would have to follow Barret's yellow brick 64bit roadmap to Itanium, first servers and then everyone else.

Among other things, AMD singlehandedly saved Xeon from extinction. Intel fans should rejoice.

The least you can say is that it has had a much greater effect on Intel's plans than the original Athlon. Whether you want to qualify that as an "inflection point" is a matter of degree. Suffice it to say, things would be different without AMD64.

[Dan3]

Re: AMD64 is NOT what Andy would call an "inflection point"

In this case I agree with you, it's not what Andy (some others, perhaps, but not him) would consider an inflection point.

What he probably would consider an inflection point is the unanticipated exponential increase in leakage as feature sizes have become smaller. That limits the amount of silicon you can sell to each customer (any more, and too much heat is produced). What makes that an inflection point for the industry is the fact that a company with a single leading edge FAB goes from being limited to being a marginal player to having the capability (with the right products and process) of becoming number one in the industry.

It's not guaranteed, by any means, but it's suddenly very possible.

And that is an Andy style inflection point.