it sure looks like something has to happen. i look at it this way, when amd holds the performance crown, they can make a little money. if they don't , like now, they lose money on every processor they sell. i don't thk hammer or barton is likely to change that.
i read today however that dell might consider using opteron's, good news after HP also deciding to start using amd. i think the big oems need to start realising that by boycotting amd , they will start to get vulnerable to intel pricing monopolies. that is o'course if amd throws in the towel. then who will buy a dell, if they have to pay at least 300-500$ per mediocre processor. top of the line will prolly cost near 1000$.
but to return to the Q, is via really in the shape to do anything that big as to buy amd. i have always liked via chipsets over intels, but i am a minority. for the rest, sis has grabbed alot of via marketshare, intel chipsets are getting sold more than ever. looks like via will have to concentrate on holding their ground in their core business.
i really hope however that amd can get a partner where both parties get more out of it than if they were working alone. maybe something for nvidia?
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