Intel rumored to buy SOITEC (AMD's sole waffer supplier)

[bourgeoisdude]

I know, it's from the Inquirer! :lol:

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=39389


But if this news is true, it sounds a little scary.

The likeliness of this happening is next to zit.

As someone already pointed out, Intel doesn't need SOI, and probably won't touch it in the future anyway. I guess Intel is staying CMOS in the foreseeable future.

Aside from that, Intel already has tons of FABs to maintain. Not like they're going to shell out billions of dollars to acquire another FAB.

They do seem to have billions of dollars to spare though--however, with the current difficulties AMD is facing right now, that would be a devastating blow that they will never recover from IMO. ATI's R600 may just beat the 8800GTX--but now the 8800 Ultra just came out, Intel's Core 2 Duo is gaining even more steam, and Dell moves to AMD and almost immediately loses market share (purely coincidence, I think, but definately a dampener on AMD...plus I know few who have actually ordered Dell AMD systems).

AMD is already in serious trouble, more serious than they'll admit I'm afraid. If Intel acquires SOITEC, AMD may fizzle out completely. They are big now, but this'd slowly kill them, even should they find a new waffer supplier. I hope it's FUD...

 

[bonkers]

maybe the reason for intel to buy

http://news.com.com/Intel+unveils+silicon+laser/2100-1006_3-5577959.html


SOI+silicon laser+32nm = Westmere/Sandy Bridge


page 2
....The experimental chip includes silicon on insulator, a technology promoted by IBM and one Intel has regularly criticized when used in microprocessors....

 

[wolverinero79]

I know, it's from the Inquirer! :lol:

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=39389


But if this news is true, it sounds a little scary.

Ok, here's the best part...(from Bloomberg)

speculation Intel Corp. may be considering buying the company.

There's speculation that Intel may be considering...

Too many conditionals for me.

 

[chuckshissle]

It's coming from a horse's arse so it's not relaible.

 

[bixplus]

maybe the reason for intel to buy

http://news.com.com/Intel+unveils+silicon+laser/2100-1006_3-5577959.html


SOI+silicon laser+32nm = Westmere/Sandy Bridge


page 2
....The experimental chip includes silicon on insulator, a technology promoted by IBM and one Intel has regularly criticized when used in microprocessors....

Hmmm....you could be on to something here...good find. And, beside that, assuming it's the leading motive, it would make for a really agressive market positioning move for Intel if actually done. Why not? Buy one of the major suppliers to your competitors and make a profit off of their success. It's a bit like hedging your bets...if IBM/AMD/et al silicon business picks up, Intel would get a piece of that pie. It sweetens the deal even more if Intel actually begins using SOI. Hmmm...

As many have stated already, this is baring any legal issues with such a move...I just can't think of any at the moment. Now, if Intel bought the company, then substantially increased the price to IBM/AMD/et al, then that would certainly be an attention grabber.

 

[bourgeoisdude]

I'm worried it could happen for no other reason than the fact that the AMD/ATI rumors were so bogus BS rumors...then the merger actually happened, and theinquirer was the first to mention it! *Gasp*!

 

[Periander]

Inq rubbish.