Microsoft might abandon Intel for AMD

Microsoft is switching from Intel to AMD chips in its coming new Surface.

German IT outlet WinFuture reported that Microsoft’s new Surface laptop will use an AMD CPU, and will be unveiled at its hardware event on 2 October.

“There are some open questions around the new Microsoft Surface Laptop 3, but so far neither exact specifications nor first pictures are available. However, due to a series of corresponding entries in non-public databases of European retailers, we are confident that the new Surface Laptop 3 15-inch model will definitely be equipped with AMD CPUs.

“According to the current state, we have encountered three AMD-based models of the Surface Laptop 3 with a 15-inch display, although this number may of course change. It is still unclear whether Microsoft might also offer the 15-inch model, at least as an option, with Intel chips, but we do not have any relevant information yet.”

Intel has been suffering a supply shortage for the past number of quarters and had expected the issue to be resolved in its Q2, but in its last earnings report, it extended this to Q3.

AMD has taken advantage of its competitor’s woes and has carved out an increasingly larger slice of the market in recent years.