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Nvidia ponders x86 CPUs for low-cost computers
It’s been a long time coming but Nvidia has finally voiced their intentions to license or develop its very own x86-compatible processor core, saying it is not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when.’
During a Q&A session at a technology conference this week, the company's senior vice president of investor relations and communications, Michael Hara, revealed this along with plans to specifically target low-cost PCs and mobile devices.
The company would focus on system-on-chip (SoC) solutions, like Tegra, but this time combining a GeForce graphics chip with an x86 core rather than using an ARM based processor.
Hara didn't discuss specific details but said such a move might make sense in two to three years – putting them in even more direct competition with rivals Intel and AMD.
Currently the graphics firm does not have the rights to produce x86 chips, though, which means they would need to either settle on a licensing agreement with Intel or form a partnership with a company that already has one.
During a Q&A session at a technology conference this week, the company's senior vice president of investor relations and communications, Michael Hara, revealed this along with plans to specifically target low-cost PCs and mobile devices.
The company would focus on system-on-chip (SoC) solutions, like Tegra, but this time combining a GeForce graphics chip with an x86 core rather than using an ARM based processor.
Hara didn't discuss specific details but said such a move might make sense in two to three years – putting them in even more direct competition with rivals Intel and AMD.
Currently the graphics firm does not have the rights to produce x86 chips, though, which means they would need to either settle on a licensing agreement with Intel or form a partnership with a company that already has one.
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User Comments (8)
Post a comment| spydercanopus on March 5, 2009 6:23 PM | They don't have a license to make x86 CPUs?? Why would one
need a "license" to make something? It's not a gun.
|
| louisgranato on March 6, 2009 12:09 AM | Originally posted by spydercanopus: They
don't have a license to make x86 CPUs?? Why would one need
a "license" to make something? It's not a gun. Maybe
because there is something called a patent? Intel has
ownership of the architecture, and you need to have a
license from Intel to produce x86 architecture processors.
|
| burty117 on March 6, 2009 6:11 AM | Does that mean AMD has got a license from Intel?
|
| yukka on March 6, 2009 6:40 AM | More competition is better. Is Nvidias stock still through
the floor? Might be worth buying a few shares.
|
| captain828 on March 6, 2009 10:53 AM | Originally posted by burty117: Does that
mean AMD has got a license from Intel? yes!
|
| DarkCobra on March 6, 2009 12:21 PM | LOL!
|
| yukka on March 6, 2009 2:41 PM | No need to laugh eh? 
|
| burned on March 10, 2009 1:43 PM | I dont think it will happen. Nvidia is going to get their
asses sued or tied up in the courts by Intel's lawyers. They
dont have a licensee, and Intel will not be giving them one.
|
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