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Intel goes legal on GlobalFoundries x86 license

Intel goes legal on GlobalFoundries x86 license

globalfoundriesBack in October we reported that Intel was peeved at AMD for spinning off what has become GlobalFoundries. Intel claimed that GlobalFoundries was not a subsidiary of AMD, and therefore had no right to the x86 cross-licensing agreements that have been in place since 1976.

In fact, today’s kerfluffle seems like a carbon copy of October’s irritations. This time, however, Intel is giving AMD 60 days to remedy their concerns before Intel revokes the license that gives AMD the power to create x86 chips.

Our crystal ball: This is yet another corporate nuclear arms race. Intel owns x86, AMD owns x86-64. All the sabre rattling in the world isn’t going to change the fact that this will end peaceably with no change in the status of either license. Boooooriiiiiing.

(Ed. Note – Pissing contest. Dr. Manhattan wins.)

Comments

  1. MiracleManS
    MiracleManS Isn't this getting old? I mean, this is like reruns of Gilligan's Island at this point. We know they don't make it off.
  2. BuddyJ
    BuddyJ Where is Prime's photo when I need it?
  3. Cliff Forster I think this is a great opportunity for AMD to expose Intel's plans for a market monopoly. Intel is already the biggest semi conductor manufacture on earth and will stop at nothing to weaken AMD's position. A weaker AMD will mean higher per sale margins for Intel, and higher prices for us.
  4. Thrax
    Thrax We're already beginning to see evidence of the higher prices. The lowest model of the Core 2 Duo was the E6300 and it was $183 when it launched on July 27, 2006. The lowest model of the Core i7 is ~$240, which represents a 31% price hike in two years.

    Aren't processors supposed to be cheaper?

    This pricing directly points back to an Intel which is no longer threatened by AMD. An Intel that can willingly delay a die shrink because there's no pressing need for them to launch it. Ditto the stranglehold Intel has on the channel. There's been rumor for years that they've basically extorted VARs and OEMs into stocking Intel product under threat of chip shortage. At least in Korea, that has proven to be true.

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