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Microsoft might be interested in buying AMD, according to source

africanos23

africanos23

africanos23

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Not sure if someone posted this, but sounds interesting

http://www.kitguru.net/components/a...erested-to-buy-advanced-micro-devices-source/

I'm guessing both CPU and GPU sectors

"It is necessary to note that Microsoft does not really need AMD. The software giant needs system-on-chips to power its Xbox game consoles, Lumia smartphones, Surface tablets and possibly other hardware devices. It does not really need server processors or high-end graphics cards. However, AMD’s management will unlikely sell a part of AMD to Microsoft since its accelerated processing units (what Microsoft needs) are based on technologies developed for server microprocessors and high-end graphics cards."

"The battle for video game console space is very strong. If Microsoft bought AMD, then Sony would be faced with a bad set of choices: put money in Microsoft’s pocket every time it sells a PlayStation, or try to create an entirely new platform by using technologies from Intel, Nvidia, ARM or Imagination Technologies."
 
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No chance that would happen unless possibly AMD split into CPU/GPU depts first as has previously been rumoured (Semi Accurate as source, so take with grain/bag/cliff of salt). Then they could purchase the GPU part and cross-license for the APU's cores I assume.

All hypothetical and unlikely however
 
Phixsator said:
yup, and you can kiss that x86 license goodbye.
Click to expand...

varkanoid said:
Yeah Intel wouldnt allow it :)
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It was ruled that if AMD was acquired, intel would have to transfer the license "in the best interest of the technological area" or something like that. The deal intel and AMD stuck like 25 years ago that states its none transferable was overruled a couple of years ago luckily.
 
and if MS bought AMD , and Intel go ` no X86` - then MS could simply say ` fine , no windows for you then` and windows 10 would be the last for desktop none AMD machines...
 
Meladath said:
It was ruled that if AMD was acquired, intel would have to transfer the license "in the best interest of the technological area" or something like that. The deal intel and AMD stuck like 25 years ago that states its none transferable was overruled a couple of years ago luckily.
Click to expand...

Got a source on that? As far as I am aware, the contract which was only recently amended still has the same penalty clauses intact.

Edit: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=28069055&postcount=3836
 
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Meladath said:
https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterra...he_ftc_has_ordered_intel_to_negotiate_on_x86/

https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/cases/2010/08/100804intelanal_0.pdf
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That only softens but not wipe out the clause. All it does is stop an immediate patent infringement suit from Intel and force all concerned parties to the negotiating table. It does not mean that Intel has to agree to any proposed terms, and still gives them a strong arm advantage in any negotiations.

Anyone seeking to buy out AMD would still have to sit down and try to negotiate something with Intel, if a suitable settlement cannot be reached they still face certain legal doom come the expiry of the enforced 'play nicely' period.


All said. I'm pretty certain Intel and MS could come to a agreement given their long history together.
 
Quite surprised at the hostility towards somebody stepping in to save AMD, I would have thought a company like Microsoft was a much better choice of a buyer than some Chinese company that nobody has ever heard of.
I would expect someone like Microsoft to keep the company alive and in good order and still very relevant to the US and Europe, whereas some Chinese company could quite easily let it slide into obscurity quite easily and just concentrate on the far eastern market.
 
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