AMD Might Be Looking To Outsource Some 45 nm Work
AMD has been working very hard for several years now to catch up to Intel when it comes to developing and perfecting new manufacturing process technology. New process technology allows more transistors to be packed into the same physical area, which can relate to more features and performance in a given chip and/or more chips per material used. So there is either more performance, better price, or both, and what customer can resist better prices and/or better performance?
AMD has done a good job of narrowing the gap, but Intel really pulled out all the stops to get both their 65 nm and 45 nm processes up and running well ahead of AMD. According to Reuters, it seems like AMD might be seeking outside help in catching up to Intel on the 45 nm process.