AMD console gubbins

Orangey · 31 Oct 2014 at 18:12

AMD shrinks console APU to 20nm:

http://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/c...er-cheaper-xbox-one-is-might-be-in-the-works/

This news suggests that AMD has incorporated measures in to both the Xbox One and PS4 to ensure that the transition to a smaller fabrication technology can happen much faster this generation. This in turn suggests that Sony and Microsoft may be preparing for a much shorter console life cycle this time around.

Total console sales now over 20m:

http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/...les-at-least-40-percent-better-than-xbox-one/
http://www.kitguru.net/desktop-pc/c...s-managed-to-shift-13-5-million-ps4-consoles/

Sony has announced that it has managed to sell 13.5 million Playstation 4 consoles to consumers since launch, 3.3 million of those were sold over the third quarter, ending on the 30th of September. This is a step up from Q2, during which, Sony managed to sell 2.7 million consoles.

The original Xbox only sold 24m worldwide and was responsible for a quarter of Nvidia's revenue in 2003FY. Looks like AMD are gonna do pretty well from this. So much for "no margins". :rolleyes:

Orangey · 31 Oct 2014 at 18:39

TSMC. It shouldn't be that shocking as TSMC have ramped up capacity lately and Apple are looking to move on to greener pastures (14nm @ GF/Samsung).

Orangey · 1 Nov 2014 at 02:02

initial console APU operating margins of low double digits. FBR and others on the Street have been modeling operating margins in the high 20%s.

"While we do consider this a net negative, after much thought, we are beginning to understand," analyst Christopher Rolland comments. "Over a very long lifecycle (game consoles have historically lasted eight or more years), there are numerous opportunities to reduce manufacturing and operating support costs, thus boosting margins over time. Therefore, while we would have liked to see gross margins in the 40%s and operating margins in the high 20%s from the "get-go," we understand the initial economics."

They're fine given we're less than a year in. OH NOES NO MARGINS DOOOOOM :rolleyes:

20nm coming already, then straight shot to 16nm, then 16FF+. bish bash bosh

Orangey · 1 Nov 2014 at 05:36

http://tech.firstpost.com/news-anal...cost-of-sony-playstation-4-at-381-108374.html

So 12% say, of $100. That's an easy bit of maths, $12. $240,000,000 already, by the end of the gen they will be well over $1B richer.

Orangey · 5 Dec 2014 at 19:30

I love being right.

http://www.kitguru.net/components/a...s-is-thriving-margins-set-to-grow-to-over-20/

Orangey · 5 Dec 2014 at 20:25

It's quite likely that Nvidia will offer something viable next time as they are getting very good at their mobile parts (Maxwell) but they will have to accept the margins as AMD will be extremely well-placed by then for this sort of thing. Bear in mind the selection process will probably begin very soon, in a year or so.