AMD's new custom chip division [PCW]

[galego]

The custom chip on the PS4 is the first of a new strategy beyond the PC.

The Freedom Fabric technology looks interesting but what did more impact me was this

AMD will not shy away from challenging chip designs, Moshkelani said, adding that if a customer wanted x86 and ARM architecture on one chip, AMD will make it happen.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2037040/amd-thinks-beyond-pcs-with-new-custom-chip-business-unit.html

 

[OVerLoRDI]

Probably their best path forward in my opinion. Apparently they have the combination of design skill and IP to get big design wins like the PS4. They likely can win others as well.

 

[aigomorla]

they can paper design all they like...

however without a real fab for them to pump out prototypes whats all great about paper?

AMD needs fabs, then it can get back in a solid playing field.
Otherwise its at the mercy of TSMC.
If TSMC wont approve the paper, there goes the entire project.

TSMC also isnt about to go into a prototype design unless it will yield profits.
Vs intel... they do it all the time when bored.

However for the PS4 they have sony breathing on TSMC hence why for PS4 viable.. other prototypes... paper can only get you so far.

 

[ShadowVVL]

they can paper design all they like... however without a real fab for them to pump out prototypes whats all great about paper? AMD needs fabs, then it can get back in a solid playing field. Otherwise its at the mercy of TSMC. If TSMC wont approve the paper, there goes the entire project. TSMC also isnt about to go into a prototype design unless it will yield profits. Vs intel... they do it all the time when bored. However for the PS4 they have sony breathing on TSMC hence why for PS4 viable.. other prototypes... paper can only get you so far. __________________

I thought it was being fabbed by global foundries, or did sony want it on tsmc?

 

[Phynaz]

Welcome to last year.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2272076

 

[Vesku]

It's usually the company sourcing the design that decides what fab will be making it.