In this lively article, David Heinemeier Hansson takes us on a journey through the evolution of AMD—from its humble beginnings as a budget alternative in the ’90s to its current domination in the chip world. He recalls a time when his friend built a fast raytracing machine using two AMD K5 boxes, contrasting that with his own reliance on Intel for gaming. Fast forward to the early 2020s, and AMD has not only caught up in the server market with its stellar EPYC line but has also become the go-to choice for desktop and laptop computing. With personal anecdotes such as his Framework 13 laptop running an AMD 7640U and his family’s new gaming PCs sporting AMD chips, he exclaims, "It's all AMD in everything!" The article also shines a light on the role of TSMC in powering AMD’s success and how innovative leadership under Lisa Su has turned AMD into a formidable competitor against giants like Intel, while also hinting at the broader impact on the tech ecosystem by leveling the playing field for developers and computer enthusiasts alike.

Key points:

• Early Beginnings: A nostalgic look at the ’90s when AMD was considered a budget-friendly alternative, ideal for niche hobbies like raytracing.
• Shift in Market Dynamics: The transition from Intel dominating in gaming and productivity to AMD gaining the upper hand, especially with AMD’s EPYC processors in server environments.
• Personal Adoption: Real-life examples of AMD’s prowess are highlighted through the author’s choice of devices, including a Framework 13 laptop with an AMD 7640U, a desktop with an AMD 7950X, and gaming PCs from his sons using AMD 9900X and AMD 8945HS chips.
• Technological Advancements: AMD’s recent chip designs, particularly the upcoming Max 395+ chip capable of supporting up to 110GB of memory as VRAM, showcase their raw processing power and improved efficiency.
• Role of TSMC: The crucial partnership with TSMC, a leader in semiconductor manufacturing, has helped AMD and other companies like Apple and Qualcomm catch up and compete fiercely in the modern chip arena.
• Competition and Industry Impact: The article discusses how AMD’s innovations are reducing the performance gap with Apple’s M-series and outrunning Intel’s offerings, while also noting Qualcomm’s advancements in their chips.
• A Triumphant Moment: With a nod to AMD’s journey, the author's upbeat tone—"three cheers for AMD!"—underscores the excitement about a more competitive and diverse future in the CPU market.

This narrative not only highlights AMD's impressive turnaround but also celebrates the broader technological shifts that are reshaping the industry.
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