AMD poised to buy ATI for 5.5b?

The rumor's been churning so long now it's starting to look legit -- remember what happened with Dell and Alienware? It's looking especially probable that Bloomberg's got ahold of some inside information that says AMD is positioned to acquire ATI for 5.5 billion smackers. We know the big buyout rumor mongering is starting to sound redundant, but we'll all find out one way or another come Monday (or this week, anyway) when either AMD and ATI ink the deal, or the two companies continue to go it alone in their respective blood-wars on Intel (and to a lesser extent, NVIDIA).

P.S. -For what it's worth, the WSJ also thinks the deal's about to go down.

[Thanks, Ben]

[blah @ Jul 22nd 2006 8:47PM]

Will the Canadian Competition Bureau allow this? We'll see...

[Revrant @ Jul 22nd 2006 8:53PM]

Well they're both quite small by comparison to nVidia and Intel, so it might, if Intel and nVidia tried it, they'd be hard pressed in the UK or Canada.

Look on the down low, ATI/AMD slobbering hate en route.

T-Minus Ten.

[Khalidur @ Jul 22nd 2006 8:57PM]

i would absolutely HATE for this to happen, but only if it stops competition between nvidia and Ati, afterall would there really be a 7950GX2, without Ati and vice versa for the XTX

[John Doe @ Jul 22nd 2006 9:01PM]

I wonder how this would affect Apple? Apple is pretty heavily in bed with ATI. No doubt anyone who uses AMD chips will get a good discount on ATI cards. So could Apple consider AMD in the future or are the discounts that Intel is giving Apple sweet enough to make them either continue to shell out a premium on ATI or switch to NVidia. Tune in tomorrow to another exciting episode of “As the Apple Turns” and find out if Lisa is the love child of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs encounter a few years ago.

[PacketMonkee @ Jul 22nd 2006 9:04PM]

Don't do it, AMD! I love you! ATI is just a cheap hussy.

[Tull @ Jul 22nd 2006 9:08PM]

Thanks John Doe, for putting this into terms that I can understand O_o .

That would make alot of sense from AMDs perspective though, with Intels conroe line stomping all over AMDs. I'm sure AMD would want to maximize their chances of profit in the upcoming years until they roll out their own new proc line, and with examples like the one you gave of apple, make alot of sense

[Squirrel @ Jul 22nd 2006 9:46PM]

well PacketMonkey's obviously retarded

[Karl @ Jul 22nd 2006 9:50PM]

Well, as regards Apple, they're also pretty "heavily in bed" with Intel, too: apparently, Apple have been given priority treatment, and get compilers and technicians that even Microsoft don't have access to: the result? 100% speed increase in OSX Leopard. From the reports I've read, its pretty much all down to Intel's high level of support.

[Gary @ Jul 22nd 2006 10:40PM]

hello.. long time viewer/reader of this site. would it be better off if MS bought ATi? MS/ATi have already worked together with the 360 gpu, and ATi would like to work more closely with MS. MS has also stated they may want to make their own in-house pcs one day. would this give them more creditiblity to buy ATi then AMD buying them?

[Sharikou, PhD @ Jul 22nd 2006 11:21PM]

See? I predicted this on my blog months ago.

Finally, AMD, by integrating with ATI will be able to provide a completely integrated desktop solution. By putting the GPU and CPU on the same die, we're looking a performance increase of maybe 750%. This merger means that AMD's Torrenza technology will allow for the enhancement of specialized applications in gaming. Intel, which can only market itself as a cheap whore, won't be able to market itself out of this one.

Look at any Chinese website, not under the hegemonic grasp of Intel, and you'll see the Athlon 64 pull ahead of the CONroe. Anyone that isn't an Intel paid pumper or fanboy will tell you that CONroe is just smoke and mirrors. Intel will need all the smoke and the mirrors in the universe to lie itself out of the increase in performance we are about to witness.

But it doesn't begin with this merger oh no. By the time 4x4 is out at the end of the year, Intel will be fragged at 20-50% of AMD's dual x2 3800+'s performance. See? Intel, by using FSB architecture, crap from the 60's, can't even make a dual processor system. More power to AMD for making our lives faster and at a cheaper price to boot. With 21st century Hypertransport, AMD's components simply communicate easier. See? AMD and ATI have always been the most friendly to us enthusiasts. Kentsfield and Intel's quad core will be no match for the upcoming K8L core even after all the lies like CONroe.

With a little bit of luck, Intel will be bankrupt in 5 quarters after this price war they can't afford to wager. From Intel's exploding Dell Laptops, to canned CONroe benchmarks, and to loser iceberged Itanics, Intel is in deep shit.

For more in depth analysis of Intel's CONroe and their evil marketing tactics, visit my blog.

sharikou.blogspot.com

[Shoaib @ Jul 22nd 2006 11:35PM]

I think this would be awesome...

But isn't ATI supplying the GPU for the Xbox 360, and it doesnt have an AMD processor, I wonder whats in store for the 360 if this deal goes through.

P.S. Sharikou go take a chill pill bro

[Tull @ Jul 22nd 2006 11:37PM]

@Sharikou
Dude I'd consider myself an AMD fanboy too, but damn...
ntels conroe is just faster then K8. We can argue about it all day but its proven. Intels slowest conroe chip rips even the AMD FX cpus a new one. I don't see any smoke and mirrors considering all of the reviews and testing I've read. The Conroes are just straight up faster. Match to Intel, sorry.

[Sharikou, PhD @ Jul 22nd 2006 11:39PM]

Your stupid shoaib. Everybody, don't listen to that Intel fanboi.

As for your dumb question. Xbox 360 uses a PowerPC chip from IBM. IBM and AMD have traditionally been very close sharing technologies such as SOI and IBM letting AMD use its Fabs. In short, nothing will happen dumbass.

[Sharikou, PhD @ Jul 22nd 2006 11:44PM]

Tull;

Read some independent Chinese websites.

Moreover, there was not a single American website that testes CONroe for stability or 64 bit programs. CONroe, for all we know is a firebreather with a flamethrower that explodes after running a game. A few benchmarks are nothing. Stress tests will show that Intel's CONroe can't handle applications. Read the review by theinquirer.net. Intel's chip couldn't even run Quake 4 stably.

And more important, Intel chips suck at 64 bit. With Vista coming out, the CONroe embraces old tech. All the Japanese and Chinese websites will show you that Intel lags in this department thus making Intel a sucky interim solution for loser Intel fanboys.

Read my in depth analysis on these topics at sharikou.blogspot.com

Intel has a lot of making up to do. And money and bribing Americans won't do it for the long term. Just watch. At my blog, all my predictions have been coming true like this one. The next one is Intel's demise with Torrenza and the price war.

[Kevin @ Jul 22nd 2006 11:58PM]

Sharikou:

Why don't you link to some of these "indepedent Chinese websites". I for one do not know Chinese and would have a tough time locating this information.

So if you are going to refercence these "independent" sources, please make note of them in the post so that others can look for themselves.

BTW, you in-depth reviews are biased and contain no relevant information other than your fanboy rants.

[PacketMonkee @ Jul 23rd 2006 12:06AM]

Wow. Feel the love, people.

[Sharikou, PhD @ Jul 23rd 2006 12:08AM]

Kevin;

I'm fine with you disagreeing with my points but why don't you tell me how I am biased and ranting?

Firstly, even if I am, it's hard to not be biased against a corporation that would shove inferior tech down our throats at exorbitant prices.

Secondly, I think I provide links and insights to what I am saying. My predictions have come true. While sometimes, it may appear I am ranting, at the end of the day, I still provide links to what I am saying and support myself. You don't.

As for links to independent reviews, just go through my website and you'll find them. It shouldn't be too old.

[Eric @ Jul 23rd 2006 12:09AM]

I'm Sharikou. Come visit my blog. I like to spell "Conroe" as "CONroe" for apparently no reason at all. Did I mention I have a blog? Come visit it please.

[max @ Jul 23rd 2006 12:10AM]

"Your stupid shoaib. Everybody, don't listen to that Intel fanboi.

As for your dumb question. Xbox 360 uses a PowerPC chip from IBM. IBM and AMD have traditionally been very close sharing technologies such as SOI and IBM letting AMD use its Fabs. In short, nothing will happen dumbass."

I'm having a tough time believing that you have doctorate.

[peter @ Jul 23rd 2006 12:20AM]

it's gonna be the big news.
thanks

[Kevin @ Jul 23rd 2006 12:25AM]

Sharikou:

What is so difficult about excepting the numbers? Intel has clearly done a fantastic job with its Core set of CPUs. I don't think anyone can really deny this. The numbers prove it.

The Pentium-D was a joke. And most people during that time stuck with AMD(enthusiasts, not Dell etc.). Which should make you happy. However Intel has done a good job making up for that, and at fantastic prices.

On your site you say AMD will crush Intel with its pricing. You fail to note that AMD had to drop prices to stay competitive. Because their CPUs got spanked.

Get over it. Seriously. The numbers show it as being faster. AMD will make some new CPUs, and the cycle will start over.

Stop trying to take the limelight away from the fantastic advances Intel is making, with your conspiracy theories, because they make you sound like a paranoid fanboy. Thanks.

[js @ Jul 23rd 2006 12:30AM]

Intel + nVidia = :)

[Nick @ Jul 23rd 2006 12:46AM]

"By putting the GPU and CPU on the same die, we're looking a performance increase of maybe 750%"

I have a hard time believing that AMD's Torrenza will really realize a 750% gain over current tech. Also, from what I've read, the coprocessors are going to be linked by Hypertransport, not on the same die.

"But it doesn't begin with this merger oh no. By the time 4x4 is out at the end of the year, Intel will be fragged at 20-50% of AMD's dual x2 3800+'s performance."

Until we see more mainstream programs coded to take advantage of SMP, no.

"Intel, by using FSB architecture, crap from the 60's, can't even make a dual processor system."

They already do.

"Look at any Chinese website, not under the hegemonic grasp of Intel, and you'll see the Athlon 64 pull ahead of the CONroe. Anyone that isn't an Intel paid pumper or fanboy will tell you that CONroe is just smoke and mirrors."

Please link. Anandtech, HardOCP, XS, Bit-Tech all agree that Core 2 Duo performs better than K8. Is Intel bribing them all? And if Intel is bribing, and you seem to know it is, then how come you haven't publicized it? Wouldn't that shut them down faster than the 5 quarters you are forecasting? Or do you not actually have any evidence?

"Stress tests will show that Intel's CONroe can't handle applications."

You know this how? By your own on-site testing? Until you have actual data I'd have to believe the other testers that do.


"Firstly, even if I am, it's hard to not be biased against a corporation that would shove inferior tech down our throats at exorbitant prices."

Intel's price/performance ratio is competitive with AMD's. Their new Core architecture is faster than current technology. Another company in the field forces AMD to innovate and excel. Are you forced to buy "inferior" Intel chips? No. As long as the two continue to prod each other to success, you get AMD chips that are cheap and fast. Once Intel is gone (In, as you say, five quarters), what will stop AMD from continuing Intel's price-gouging? Look, AMD is out to make money, just like every other corporation is. If there is no competition (What, VIA? Transmeta?), then AMD is free to set whatever prices it wants, and if Intel goes under, it will. Don't continue to think that AMD is a benevolent entity that cares about you, personally.



"You're an asshole. I'm just trying to spread the truth about Intel. CONroe is a play on words. It emphasizes the CON in Conroe. Idiot. Read a dictionary why don't you?"

There's no truth in what you say, and there's no conning happening with Core 2 Duo, until you give us evidence to the contrary. Stop slinging names.

[John Doe @ Jul 23rd 2006 1:15AM]

Sharikou. Don't know what PhD you have, and only people with an inferiority complex actively self promote such titles in venues outside professional settings, but you are a moron. Apparently every site, which has done comprehensive benchmarks on the new Core 2's are in on the conspiracy. The Core 2's blow AMD's current wares out of the water pure and simple. 750%....yah and maybe AMD will create FTL Blast processing and increase performance 50,000%. Again. Moron.

[Sharikou, PhD @ Jul 23rd 2006 1:29AM]

I'm not posting here anymore. I thought it was a website that wasn't contaminated by Intel spies but I guess I was wrong.

I will no longer post here. You intel fanbois and members of the intel horde, just watch as my predictions come true one by one.

All the review sites are intel paid pumpers. Read up on my blog for an expose of anandtech.

Like I said, my blog will continue to spread the truth but it will not be successful until people start hearing it. I swear you'll all hear it once the events happen.

By the way, John Doe is stupid. FTL Blast processing isn't real whereas Torrenza is real. Hypertransport is 100x faster than PCI-E. That will lead to major gains in processing.

AMD+ATI was the first event that I predicted and it did happen. Now that it did, I thought people would see a bit more. For those that are interested in the truth, watch my website and my website alone. Intel is about to die at the hands of justice and I can't wait for it to happen.

[Nick @ Jul 23rd 2006 1:49AM]

"I'm not posting here anymore. I thought it was a website that wasn't contaminated by Intel spies but I guess I was wrong."

I'm sorry, being correct does not correspond to "being an Intel spy".



"I will no longer post here. You intel fanbois and members of the intel horde, just watch as my predictions come true one by one."

We shall see.


"All the review sites are intel paid pumpers. Read up on my blog for an expose of anandtech."

Sorry, your reference that Yonah was slower than an X2 3800+ clock-for-clock is entirely wrong. See here:
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2006/05/19/intel_core_duo_t2600_on_the_desktop/1.html
(Unless, of course, Bit-Tech is also in bed with Intel, as you seem to enjoy implying) Your silly thrashing about the Yonah vs. X2 3800+ is moot because it is clear that a mobile processor using far less energy and at a lower clock is comparable to desktop processors. You also have not addressed the reviews by Bit-Tech, HardOCP, and XS. Your site offers no testing of its own. All of the points in your "expose" of Anandtech have been refuted as more and more benchmarks continue to be released by testers, and it is undeniable: Core 2 Duo IS something, and no lies and spin you try to hurl about can hide it. Anandtech have published independent testing, the results of which are in line with testing done by other independent reviewers.

"Like I said, my blog will continue to spread the truth but it will not be successful until people start hearing it. I swear you'll all hear it once the events happen."

"Truth"? Sorry.

"Intel is about to die at the hands of justice and I can't wait for it to happen."

You mean you can't wait for decreased competition, stagnant research and development, inferior technology, exorbitant prices, and limited supply? Oh.

"FTL Blast processing isn't real whereas Torrenza is real."

He was trying to point out that your claim of 750% performance improvement is at best improbable and at worst impossible, and that you have not shown any evidence that Torrenza will acheive that kind of performance.

Now that you've chosen to abandon the discussion, I'll just assume that whatever fecal matter you were slinging around like an overgrown orangutan has been refuted to your satisfaction. Looks like you've got no more lies and trash to spew. I'll just declare victory here. Thanks.

[markoff_cheney @ Jul 23rd 2006 2:14AM]

"I'm not posting here anymore. I thought it was a website that wasn't contaminated by Intel spies but I guess I was wrong."
that is hilarious.
"intel has a covert team of ninja spies that wait, round the clock, to infiltrate tech blogs and post disinformation. I have the proof in my hat. its made of foil".

[markoff_cheney @ Jul 23rd 2006 2:27AM]

and your attitude makes you look like... well, i will leave that up to everyone to decide.
but way to take a joke in stride captain! i even flipped through your blog there for awhile.
you are like the william cooper of processor fanboyism.

[Nick @ Jul 23rd 2006 2:58AM]

"Can't win against losers who won't hear the truth. Sort of like you."

Excuse me? You're the one throwing around claims and accusations with not a shred of proof.


"BTW- learn to spell you dolt. I'd purchase a dictionary for you but I don't like to give books to boys who act like monkeys and throw feces around. Sort of like how you argue. All you spew is crap."

Excellent. Don't address any of my points and insult my spelling, and me as a person. I daresay I'm not the one spewing crap here, sir.

[wes @ Jul 23rd 2006 3:48AM]

i love those fanboy-wars. keep 'em comming :)

[Jamie @ Jul 23rd 2006 6:19AM]

Sharikou, you sound like a 14-year old fanboy who's just built his very own hypermegaafantabulous gaming rig.

How can you accuse everyone else of being a fanboy when you're shouting about conspiracies?

"Spies! Everywhere!" I mean wtf?

Give us some hard facts, or stop posting. Independent Chinese websites are nearly meaningless unless you can speak chinese. And Engadget readers are far more likely to trust a source they know of, like anandtech, than some chinese website.

Can't wait to read your shocking anandtech exposé.

[Jamie @ Jul 23rd 2006 6:21AM]

Oh, one more thing, Sir Spellwell. Faeces.

[Jack @ Jul 23rd 2006 6:27AM]

i love it:

:I'm not posting here anymore. I thought it was a website that wasn't contaminated by Intel spies but I guess I was wrong.

I will no longer post here. You intel fanbois and members of the intel horde, just watch as my predictions come true one by one."

If your really that serious about not posting you would not have even posted that last comment, you would have left it at that, good work.

"Last post

Nick;
Can't win against losers who won't hear the truth. Sort of like you.
etc etc etc"

Ok, ill forgive you for the first post informing us that you were going to leave and never come back etc etc etc, but then coming back and posting again, and also stating that it was definatly your last post is just hopeless. Seriously, stick to what you say, get some evidence to back up your claims and then people will take you seriously.....maybe.

also here are some links you may find interesting

http://zapatopi.net/afdb/

&

http://www.stopabductions.com/

have a nice day

[tekdroid @ Jul 23rd 2006 8:24AM]

I'm looking forward to the forthcoming Cool & Corrupt Catalyst (CCC) CPU drivers that will surely result from this merger. Exciting stuff!

[Tnyc @ Jul 23rd 2006 8:51AM]

Hey SHITrikou:

Here's a review of "CONroe" as you said it whipping AMD chips in a 64 bits setting. And in the future if you want ppl to give at least some value or consideration to your arguments, use not only proofs but ALSO civility in your language!

http://www.planetx64.com/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=283&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=14

[T0E TAGG3R @ Jul 23rd 2006 11:25AM]

One thing I will agree with SHARIKOU is that intel does in fact have a history of Bulling marketing tactincts that make them appear better than AMD and that is the main reason they sued intel

If you look at Tom's Hardware Guide you will notice that intel excells in some benchmarks while AMD spanks them in other. It all depends on how the benchmarking software is written. Sometime's I question the benchmarks such as PCMARK. Even though everyone uses them it is only a fair comparison if you compare to all benchmarks.

I guess no one wants to talk about the good things that will come out of AMD and ATI negotiation. I for one am finally glad comanies are finally wrking together to make better hardware that will lead to better software.

I'd Like to see other companies put their heads together and see what they come up with.

If Intel doesn't work closer to Nvidia I guess that will be indication that these companies are only conserned about their own well being.

Let me know if I am out of line by saying this.

[Sharikou, PhD @ Jul 23rd 2006 11:37AM]

I'm sorry guys. I don't know what I was saying. Intel is a good company that makes good chips, although I prefer AMD I do accept that Conroe is a great chip and is really fast.

As of right now it seems that Intel is ahead of the game and I only hope that this merger, if true, will provide further competition between AMD and Intel.

By the way, I have a Intel CPU in my desktop at home, a Celeron, with integrated graphics (Thank you DELL!!!)

Love ya all!

[Michael @ Jul 23rd 2006 1:29PM]

STFU, Sharikou.

[sdsdv10 @ Jul 23rd 2006 1:45PM]

Sharikou, Sharikou....

Wasn't this guy Iraq's Information Minister during the war? ;P
I don't know, I could be mistaking...

[Nick @ Jul 23rd 2006 1:47PM]

"I'm sorry guys. I don't know what I was saying. Intel is a good company that makes good chips, although I prefer AMD I do accept that Conroe is a great chip and is really fast.

As of right now it seems that Intel is ahead of the game and I only hope that this merger, if true, will provide further competition between AMD and Intel."

Exactly correct. As I said, increased competition is only good for the consumer. Intel and AMD will continue to play the leapfrog game so long as they are in the same market. AMD held the performance crown for a few years, now Intel does. The next product cycle will see AMD take the lead again.

[tcc3 @ Jul 23rd 2006 1:48PM]

Sharikou, You stand up making all these wild accusations only to admit you have a celeron machine with integrated video?

"Ferrari suxxors!!! They make the worst cars. Oh and I drive a Ford Pinto."

This is the funniest thing I've seen all day

[Tull @ Jul 23rd 2006 2:31PM]

It's obviously not Sharikou...if you guys are trying to be sarcastic you need a little more work. ;P

[tcc3 @ Jul 23rd 2006 3:01PM]

Its hard to pick sarcasm from genuine outrageous comments from the tinfoil hat squad.

[Disco D @ Jul 23rd 2006 4:19PM]

A company that I love (AMD) and a company I despise (ATI)

NOOOOOOOO

[Trib @ Jul 23rd 2006 5:03PM]

I read the first 10 or so posts then I got bored. AMD fanboys vs everyone else.

@AMD fanboys: AMD make such 'good' products because intel do. if intel were actually shit, AMD wouldn't produce as good tech.

For the person talking about intel FSB being old, my processor is an intel 630. it uses a 800 FSB. thats not slow considering my AMD PC is using 533 (or less, whatever)

I have 4 computers running Intels and 1 on AMD. Personally I notice that the Intels do run faster (by fair comparison between chips).


And for this AMD/ATI thing, I'd like AMD to go with NVIDIA. Actually, no. I like them being seperate.

[Tull @ Jul 23rd 2006 8:10PM]

@Trib
Dude what AMD chips are you using? You have to be using an old athlon xp chip and thus shouldn't be comparing that with a newer Pentium. Know what you are talking about before you post. And of all the Intel processors that I've used (minus the new core duo mobile) I can also tell a difference, however the Intel chips are always on the slower side. No way can a person truthfully say that the intels are faster. Not to mention athlons running cooler.

[PacketMonkee @ Jul 23rd 2006 10:35PM]

@Trib:
I think that most people realise on some level at least that it IS the competition that drives the newer, better technology. I prefer AMD personally, but I'm not blind as to Intel's contributions, either. I still remember the (pre-)80486 days when Intel ripped EVERYONE a new one. Just a personal choice.

I agree with your view on AMD/Nvidia/ATI, though.

I refuse to partake in the "PhD's" flamewar. Remember people, everyone's opinion will differ from your own. Let's not get all personally offended because it dosn't match your own little bubble-world ideals.
Happy place... Happy place...

[MooNKighT @ Jul 24th 2006 7:43AM]

It's a done deal,well at least if it gets aproved.
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=3468
I wonder what this really means for the future of CPU and GPU respectivly they quoted some source saying somthing like:It's gonna take years for the merger to take affect

[UltiMega @ Jul 27th 2006 3:55PM]

I think instead of AMD buying ATi, friggin' Dell should buy Gateway, Apple, and all those other stupid companies so there will be just one low price. The same goes for EVERYTHING else