Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NYSE:AMD) Sticks to CPU Upgrades

Reports indicating that Intel might invest in the heart of user-upgradeable CPUs have been around for some time, while Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(NYSE:AMD) still remains loyal to socketed processors. AMD told ZDNet that it has always supported the do-it-yourself and enthusiast desktop market with socketed CPUs and APUs that are compatible with a wide range of motherboard products from their partners.

The spokesperson from AMD emphasized that they have no plans to shift to BGA [ball-grid array] only packaging, instead they will only focus on this critical segment of the market. AMD appreciates Intel’s efforts though as it is the company that that introduced new types of BGA packages in ultrathin platforms several years ago, and today offers a wide range of BGA-packaged processors for devices such as ultrathin notebooks and all-in-one desktops.

AMD approaches the subject of providing the ultimate consumer experience in a different way when it comes to the desktop market and especially PC enthusiasts. The company has identified the requirements of its customers and will continue to provide superior service.

The speculations regarding Intel’s transition switch from land-grid array (LGA) to BGA had been doing the rounds for long, but Japanese tech site PC Watch was the first source to reveal that Intel had already notified OEMs of the change. Intel operates an LGA package design allowing the processor to either be fitted into a socket or soldered directly to a motherboard. Shifting to BGA will mean the processor could no longer be fitted into socket where it could be removed or replaced, and instead would be soldered to the motherboard as it is in notebooks and tablets now.

But the transition will make the industry suffer as it will take down many names in the market. Removing this key feature from the desktop PC will simply kill it as modularity is what made it.