Intel and AMD Join Forces to Counter Arm's Growing Influence in Computing

The semiconductor industry is witnessing a new alliance between Intel and AMD, two prominent players in the x86 architecture landscape, as they join forces to combat the rising influence of Arm Holdings. Arm's chip architecture, a competitor to x86, has made significant inroads, particularly in the mobile and data center markets, prompting Intel and AMD to take proactive measures to defend their market share.

Forming the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group

In a bid to counter Arm's growing presence, Intel and AMD have established the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group. This group's primary objective is to ensure the continued support for the x86 architecture by addressing compatibility issues and promoting its advantages. The x86 architecture, originally developed by Intel over four decades ago, serves as the foundation for a wide range of devices, including laptops, desktops, and data center servers. AMD, under a licensing agreement with Intel, utilizes the x86 architecture for its processors.

Arm's Rise and Its Advantages

Arm's architecture has garnered substantial popularity, finding adoption by companies like Apple, Qualcomm, Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft for powering mobile and data center chips. Arm's success can be attributed to a key advantage: all chips built on its architecture are capable of running the same software, irrespective of the chip manufacturer. This stands in contrast to x86, where software compatibility can sometimes pose challenges.

Addressing Compatibility Challenges

The newly formed advisory group aims to tackle this compatibility issue by bringing together hardware and software companies, including Broadcom, Dell, Lenovo, and Oracle. These companies will collaborate to provide technical input on key features and functionality of Intel and AMD chips. This collaborative effort seeks to ensure future chips are consistent, compatible, and optimized for various applications.

A History of Industry Collaboration

Despite being competitors, Intel and AMD share a history of industry collaboration, focusing on platform advancements, standardization efforts, and addressing security vulnerabilities within the x86 ecosystem. Their joint endeavors have yielded crucial technologies such as PCI, PCIe, ACPI, and USB, the ubiquitous connectivity standard used by all computers.

Why are Intel and AMD joining forces?

To protect their market share from the growing threat of Arm Holdings.

What is the goal of the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group?

To ensure developers continue to support the x86 architecture by addressing compatibility issues and promoting its advantages.

What is Arm's main advantage over the x86 architecture?

All chips based on Arm's architecture can run the same software, regardless of the chip manufacturer.

What is Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger's opinion on the x86 architecture?

He believes that the x86 architecture is ready for AI-powered laptops.

The Future of Computing

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger highlighted the x86 architecture's readiness for AI-powered laptops during a Lenovo developer event in Seattle. Gelsinger emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, "We're proud to stand alongside AMD and the founders of this advisory group as we chart the future of computing. We appreciate the support of so many industry leaders."