Search results matching tags 'monopoly' and 'Ivy Bridge'

RE: AMD's Next Gen Steamroller CPU Could Deliver Where Bulldozer Fell Short

mhenriday — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:00:27 GMT

I think many (but, it would seem, not all) participants in this discussion share your hope, RMadatyan, that AMD gets back in the game with respect to high-end CPUs - not merely because of the effect that this would exert on prices, but also because it would stimulate innovation. Intel, for example, would hardly feel the same pressure to improve their products if AMD weren't around (and vice versa). For my part, I also hope that when testing CPU performance in a gaming context, the present somewhat excessive emphasis on frame rates (surely there's a limit above which an increase in frame rates provides no noticeable improvement in user experience, although just where that limit goes is open to debate) is toned down and that other considerations, like frame latency are taken into account. In any event, I'm greatly looking forward to Steamroller - if it does the job and the price is reasonable, I'll consider using one of the versions in a new build, even though I hardly need it - my trusty Phenom II X4 955 does everything I ask of it....

Henri

RE: AMD's Next Gen Steamroller CPU Could Deliver Where Bulldozer Fell Short

mhenriday — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 19:47:56 GMT

I think, realneil, that the main point of the article was to show that frame rate is not an adequate measurement of the gaming experience and that frame latency is a superior metrological instrument for this purpose. Thus it has - if I understand it aright - a wider relevance than just the current situation obtaining between Intel and AMD CPUs (which I hope will at least in part be rectified by the Steamroller series) ; it teaches us - or at least should teach us - not to stare ourselves blind on frame rates. If more reviewers adopt these methods and the general public (or at least its enthusiast component) becomes aware of these facts, perhaps manufacturers will be forced to provide us with better processors (but they'd better not have rounded corners !)...

Henri

RE: AMD's Next Gen Steamroller CPU Could Deliver Where Bulldozer Fell Short

mhenriday — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 18:36:57 GMT

When comparing Intel and AMD CPUs, I suspect a lot of the gamers here will find this recent Tech Report article of great interest : http://techreport.com/articles.x/23246 ....

Henri

RE: AMD's Next Gen Steamroller CPU Could Deliver Where Bulldozer Fell Short

mhenriday — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:17:55 GMT

What some users can't seem to understand is the simple fact that a healthy AMD is good for us all - both AMD and Intel users (and what I suspect is the majority of us who have chips from both makers in our various machines). As I mentioned above, the present x86 CPU situation is an oligopoly, which is hardly the ideal, but it is far better that a situation characterised by a monopoly, in which nothing other than (non-existant) good will on the part of the monopolist determines prices and quality. Those who boast that they wound «never» condescend to use an AMD chip are doing not only the rest of us, but also themselves a disservice....

Henri

RE: AMD's Next Gen Steamroller CPU Could Deliver Where Bulldozer Fell Short

mhenriday — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 08:49:58 GMT

Hold with those above who are hoping that Steamroller will perform sufficiently well to make it an alternative to Intel's Sandybridge and Ivybridge - and other chips in the pipleline - the x86 chip market desperately needs competition ! But even if AMD does well, two chip competitors are far too few ; while an oligopoly is preferable to a monopoly, what is needed are new players in the market, like ARM in the low-power segment. Still, the return of AMD as a serious competitor would be a most welcome event ; in my next build I look forward to being able to replace my current AMD Phenom II X4 955 processor with a hot (and reasonably priced) CPU from AMD, rather than having to pay an Intel tax due to that company's quasi-monopoly position....

Henri