Stratechery Political Chips
Aug 3, 2022
Dive into the fascinating world of chip manufacturing as AMD surpasses Intel, highlighting their differing strategies. Discover the implications of Integrated Device Manufacturers versus TSMC's adaptability in meeting customer needs. Explore the debate between CISC and RISC architecture and its impact on mobile computing design. Uncover how advancements in chip production, especially in extreme ultraviolet lithography, are reshaping global competition. Finally, delve into Taiwan's pivotal role in the semiconductor industry amidst complex U.S.-China relations.
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AMD's Rise
- AMD surpassed Intel in market capitalization for the second time, signaling a potential shift in chip dominance.
- This is significant because Intel historically has been the more prominent company.
Christensen's Prediction
- Clay Christensen predicted Intel's struggles, noting their focus on performance might hinder their ability to adapt to customer demand for customized products.
- Intel's integrated model could impede their response to changing markets.
TSMC's Advantage
- TSMC's customer service and building blocks for custom chips provided a significant advantage, even with slightly slower chips.
- Christensen didn't anticipate Intel losing the performance lead, but rather, performance becoming less important.
