AMD's x86 license doesn't transfer in a buyout, so who'll make console CPUs ?
Eh? The x86 license stays with AMD but being bought out means that license would be Samsung's. There's only two ways for a company to acquire an x86 license: get a new one from Intel (a Chinese company is apparently in talks to do this) or buyout a company that already has one (e.g. Via got their current license by buying out Centaur).
Samsung wouldn't renege on AMD's contractual obligations with Microsoft and Sony. Samsung also wouldn't throw AMD's current R&D investments away on the new architecture. The question is what happens to x86 long-term when those opportunities have passed?
At the same time, there is
this:
John Ribeiro said:
A Samsung spokeswoman said a decision has not been taken yet on what type of chips would be made at the new fab and the manufacturing process. The company said in July it was on track to roll out 14-nanometer manufacturing process in volume by the end of this year.
A week later,
this:
Trefis Team said:
While Intel’s growth in Q3 2014 was mainly led by strong performance in the PC and the Data Center business, the company fared well in mobile and Internet-of-Things (IoT) segments as well, which promise to be an important part of its future growth strategy.
I can totally see x86 tablets taking over the market over the next decade with the help of Windows 10 and the only way Samsung can get a piece of that action, because Microsoft abandoned Windows RT, is to get into x86.
Samsung could have been planning this acquisition for a while. Build a fab to make Samsung competitive with Intel and buy AMD to acquire x86 license. Even though that fab won't be ready for another two years, it takes about that long to get a new CPU design to the point it can be tested on a fab. Too many pieces fit too well to be mere coincidence.
The one thing I fear most of all of this is what happens to AMD's desktop and laptop lines? I really can't see Samsung using precious 14nm fab time on a market they really don't care about.
Edit: Can't forget about ATI either. Samsung having ATI gives it a huge leg up, in all markets, against Intel.