Analyst expects Apple to move further away from NVIDIA
updated 05:50 pm EDT, Mon August 30, 2010
Analyst sees Apple picking AMD over NVIDIA video
Standard & Poor's analyst Clyde Montevirgen cast doubt on NVIDIA's future today in an investment note that suggested it would lose business from Apple. He urged investors to sell as an "anticipated market share loss" was sure to come while Apple changed from NVIDIA to AMD for graphics. The statement reflected new iMacs that use AMD alone for graphics, though it implied more expected moves in the future.
Apple has been one of NVIDIA's more important customers in recent years. Starting from its unibody MacBook Pro models in late 2008, its entire portable line as well as the iMac and Mac mini have all used NVIDIA for at least integrated chipsets. Newer MacBook Pros also use live graphics switching to keep NVIDIA's graphics an option, although they don't use NVIDIA's own Optimus technology.
The Mac builder may not have much choice but to give up some of its partnership with NVIDIA due to an license dispute with Intel. As long as Intel believes NVIDIA's current licensing doesn't allow system chipsets for Core i3, i5 or i7 processors, Apple may be forced to use dedicated graphics to keep its video performance with some future Macs. It chose to keep using Core 2 Duo processors for all its 13-inch notebooks and the Mac mini solely to keep its video performance rather than downgrade.
Rumors have circulated of Apple using AMD processors partly to overcome Intel's roadblock, but it may less necessary with future Intel hardware now that Intel's Sandy Bridge can outrun some dedicated video, including AMD's.
NVIDIA currently has the performance lead over AMD but usually has more expensive components.
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2006
Slow news/thought day?
Apple has historically used three GPU vendors: Intel (for integrated c*** that doesn't run, nor walk, but crawls like a third trimester foetus shot in the kneecaps), nVidia, and ATi. Depending upon the state of technology at the time, either ATi or nVidia has been "favored" -- but it ebbs and flows.
To suggest Apple is manacling themselves to one vendor over another -- what has no benefit for Apple -- is ludicrous.