So now we have a resurgence of Apple going with a custom ARM solution in Macs:
https://www.macrumors.com/2020/03/26/ku ... macs-2021/This, combined with the progress other firms (esp Amazon) are making in ARM-based server products, makes me wonder if the competition between Intel and AMD is going to end up being a side show compared to a broader x86 vs ARM competition.
I relish this competition in CPU design. But, and especially speaking as an American, this makes me nervous about increasing dependence on foreign foundries. While I admire what TSMC has achieved, the short distance between them and the PLA is worrying.
Apple ought to have a greater appreciation for the perils of putting all of their production eggs in one basket. Perhaps they should invest in American foundries before its too late.
1. iMac 27" (2020) i7 10700k; AMD Radeon Pro 5500 XT 8 GB; 64 GB RAM; 500 GB internal SSD + external box of SSDs
2. ThreadRipper 2990wx; Ubuntu; Headless; 64GB RAM
3. MacBook Pro (2017); Core i7-7820HQ; 16 GB RAM