Non Nvidia/AMD GPUs and non Intel/AMD CPUs?
Hey everyone, I was thinking and something crossed my mind, how come only 2 companies make GPUs and only 2 companies make CPUs? Are there any CPUs or GPUs that aren't made by these companies, maybe they're just not very well known? Or do these 3 companies literally own the WHOLE CPU/GPU market of today? I know there are some third party manufacturers for GPUs, however the technology is still from Nvidia or AMD. Any input or explanation for this?
Q: Why we only have 2 companies making CPU's?
A: Well we have a variety of companies making CPU's. Just not x86 processors which Windows support (and recently ARM with Windows RT).
So, I assume your question is why only 2 manufactures making only x86 processors? Well, it never used to be like this, We used to have VIA, IBM and others. However, they all could not compete with Intel, and got annoyed with Intel scare tacks to not renew their license of the x86 architecture patent (which is owned by Intel). So, they all stop making processors. Except for VIA. They have not officially discontinued making x86, but they pretty much stopped. As for AMD. Intel has no choice to keep AMD. Else Intel has the monopoly, and, much like Microsoft saving Apple back in 1997 from closing its doors, Intel would end up with a monopoly, which would make them impossible to sale their processor, outside of the United States, as nearly every country has a anti-monopoly law. (Also, it doesn't help, that Intel licenses AMD patent on AMD64, the 64-bit add-on on the x86, allowing the processor, to not only fully support 32-bit processes, but also 64-bit one).
Intel if not interested in licensing their x86 to someone else, and no other manufacture is interested in working under, essentially, Intel control (ie: you make a processor more powerful then Intel, then Intel will threaten you of not renewing the license, like with AMD back in the old Socket 939 days, when AMD simply crushed Intel best offering.)
Q: Why only 2 companies making GPUs?
A: You do have more than AMD and Nvidia.. but all the others are focusing on specialty market. Like Matrox focuses on deliver graphic card for video walls (walls of screens). And of course, you have Intel, which OEM loves, because the GPU is a free one, making them pick that over Nvidia and AMD offering, as most of the consumer don't know any better, or care. Does it surf the web somewhat? Does it run Office? Is Windows experience somewhat smooth? And is the laptop or desktop the least expensive as possible, even though opening the box once purchased and seeing the produce in one peace, is a manufacture error (yea, I went there), then Good! They like it, and that is what they buy. Nvidia and AMD doesn't have a chance. That is why Nvidia started Tegra recently, and playing catchup with the big guys (surprisingly they are doing leap and bound at every generation.. I expect Tegra 5 to actually be kick-ass.. maybe not the most powerful of all of them, but most likely superb value for your money). What helps Nvidia with Tegra, is the company extensive knowledge on graphic card, and able to deliver graphic performance on a what it would otherwise be a weak chip, with excellent efficiency and low power. Also, Nvidia focuses more on Quadro and Tesla series graphic card, as this is where the money is.. not consumer products (not that it's nothing, it's pretty big, but not the main inputs of money). As for AMD, they are focusing on their APUs. If AMD can make their CPU in the APU more closely match Intel CPUs, then it would take the win and a massive increase in market share.
You used to have a longer list of consumer gaming graphic card, if you will, back in the old days, but they all closed down, or got bought by other companies, or made them change market like Matrox. Bessie best performance, and value for your money, another issue was business models not working for companies, as a new business model had to be put that didn't exists from text books, or used by other businesses.
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