Even though Intel is silent on the matter, AMD speaks up

Dec 5, 2012 09:19 GMT  ·  By

The information leak about Intel's Broadwell 14nm CPUs, as well as the implications that there soon won't be any socketed CPUs, led to enough tensions that AMD decided it would help if it gave its two cents.

In a nutshell, Intel's leaked roadmap suggests that, at some point in the not too distant future, Chipzilla will stop making CPUs in anything besides BGA package.

That means that there won't be any socketed CPUs anymore. These are the chips that all desktop PCs use, and which can be removed and replaced with any other that fits the same socket.

Stopping LGA (land grid array) processor development would leave the DIY PC market (do it yourself) in a serious predicament, if not kill it altogether. Intel hasn't seen fit to confirm or deny any of these concerns yet.

Advanced Micro Devices figured it would prevent suspicions from plaguing its own fans.

In a statement given to The TechReport, it clearly says that interchangeablle CPUs will keep being made in 2013 and 2014, and onwards.

“AMD has a long history of supporting the DIY and enthusiast desktop market with socketed CPUs & APUs that are compatible with a wide range of motherboard products from our partners,” said AMD representative Chris Hook.

“That will continue through 2013 and 2014 with the 'Kaveri' APU and FX CPU lines. We have no plans at this time to move to BGA only packaging and look forward to continuing to support this critical segment of the market.”

Advanced Micro Devices will, on the other hand, make BGA CPUs for laptops as well, even ultrathins.

“As the company that introduced new types of BGA packages in ultrathin platforms several years ago, and today offers BGA-packaged processors for everything from ultrathin notebooks to all-in-one desktops, to embedded applications and tablets, we certainly understand Intel's enthusiasm for the approach. But for the desktop market, and the enthusiasts with whom AMD has built its brand, we understand what matters to them and how we can continue to bring better value and a better experience,” Hook said.

Updated December 6, 2012: Fixed the BGA/LGA mix-up.