AMD has been making further inroads into mainland China's computer processor market, loosening Intel's grip. Tsinghua Tongfang, the mainland's third biggest computer supplier, has confirmed reports that they are to move their systems to using 64bit Athlon X2 CPUs. Seen in the past as a loyal partner of Intel, Tongfang was the last of the mainland's big three PC companies installing only Intel CPUs.

"The cooperation with AMD will expand our product line and offer our customers more choices," Zou said. "The cooperation will also help Tongfang cooperate with major upstream companies and use the latest technology in our products. It will maintain the advantage and creativity of the company."

Tongfang will continue its close cooperation with Intel.