Nvidia Reportedly Seeks to Take Over Via Technologies.

[nekrosoft13]

Nvidia Corp., the world’s largest developer of graphics processing units (GPUs), may be interested in acquisition of Via Technologies, a minor developer of x86 central processing units and core-logic sets, Taiwan-based press has reported. Given that Nvidia already has chipset business unit, the only product family in which Nvidia may be interested in is x86 chips by Via.


A news-story at DigiTimes web-site claims that Nvidia and Via had discussed three possible scenarios, including a strategic alliance, acquisition of Via’s processor division, or the acquisition of the entire company. The parties have not reached any agreement so far, but the negotiations may be re-opened up soon as financial situation for Via is not showing any signs of improvement, whereas Nvidia may truly need its own x86 platform to broaden market segments it could address.

It is not clear whether Via Technologies x86 license is transferable and Nvidia will be able to develop, manufacture and sell x86 central processing units if it acquires Via. Nevertheless, Nvidia may be interested in developers of Via’s core-logic sets, CPUs and even S3 Graphics’ GPUs.

Via Technologies has been offering its CPUs after it acquired it acquired most of Cyrix and also absorbed Integrated Device Technology’s Centaur x86 chip subsidiary in 1999. However, the company has not become a successful x86 CPU vendor due to the fact that its microprocessors are hardly competitive against products by Advanced Micro Devices and Intel Corp.

Neither Nvidia nor Via commented on the news-story.


http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/cpu/display/20080318110344_Nvidia_Reportedly_Seeks_to_Take_Ove r_Via_Technologies.html

[ViN86]

tbh, i dont think Via's x86 license is transferrable. when there was a rumored nvidia/amd takeover, it was stated that they cannot use the x86 license under the nvidia name.

[Treason]

I don't think that will stop the tidal wave that is nVidia right now.

[Runningman]

tbh, i dont think Via's x86 license is transferrable. when there was a rumored nvidia/amd takeover, it was stated that they cannot use the x86 license under the nvidia name.
i've heard this for a while now, can anyone point to a contract or other factual document that proves this point? im asking because why would NV go after via if this license is none transferable.

[ViN86]

i've heard this for a while now, can anyone point to a contract or other factual document that proves this point? im asking because why would NV go after via if this license is none transferable.
it's a possibility.

http://www.techpowerup.com/52573/Analyst_Expects_NVIDIA_to_Acquire_AMD_Despite_Chan ces_of_Losing_x86_License..html

[AthlonXP1800]

Same thing happened when VIA Technologies (part of Formosa Plastics Group) acquired Centaur Technology from Integrated Device Technology and the Centaur's x86 license was non transferable. VIA negotiated and reached an agreement with Intel granted a new 10 years VIA x86 cross-license in 2003.

So if NVIDIA acquire VIA Technologies from Formosa Plastics Group then NVIDIA will need negotiating to reach an agreement with Intel for a new 10 years NVIDIA x86 cross-license.

[ViN86]

Same thing happened when VIA Technologies (part of Formosa Plastics Group) acquired Centaur Technology from Integrated Device Technology and the Centaur's x86 license was non transferable. VIA negotiated and reached an agreement with Intel granted a new 10 years VIA x86 cross-license in 2003.

So if NVIDIA acquire VIA Technologies from Formosa Plastics Group then NVIDIA will need negotiating to reach an agreement with Intel for a new 10 years NVIDIA x86 cross-license.
how long does intel's ownership of the x86 architecture last? can they do this forever?

what about x64? didnt AMD do this first, or did intel design their own and that's how they got around this?

EDIT: nvm the last question, i think that's the point of EMT64.

[AthlonXP1800]

how long does intel's ownership of the x86 architecture last? can they do this forever?

what about x64? didnt AMD do this first, or did intel design their own and that's how they got around this?

EDIT: nvm the last question, i think that's the point of EMT64.

Intel started their first ever x86 chip 8086 in 1978 and the x86 CISC based architecture still developing today as well the next 10 years into 2020. They been looked for x86 replacement years ago with Itanium used 64bit EPIC architecture but it turned out not the future chip they had hoped for. Intel researched and developed 80 core Tera-scale CPU running at 6.26GHz with theoretical 2 teraflops and all 80 cores consumes over 150 Watts demorated (http://www.trustedreviews.com/cpu-memory/review/2007/06/28/Intel-Research-Day-2007/p1) in 2007, it may be the future of CPU architecture to replace x86.

AMD developed AMD64 version of x64 first in 2000 then Intel created their own EM64T version of x64 in 2004, however they both share same functions but different extensions. Transmeta licensed (http://news.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/0,1000000091,2087519,00.htm?user_rating=0) AMD64 technology. VIA developed VIA Isaiah 64bit CPU but I am not sure whether VIA created their own x64 extensions or licensed EM64T or AMD64 technology.

[Runningman]

it's a possibility.

http://www.techpowerup.com/52573/Analyst_Expects_NVIDIA_to_Acquire_AMD_Despite_Chan ces_of_Losing_x86_License..html
there is nothing on that link...

[AthlonXP1800]

there is nothing on that link...

Me too, still nothing!

[ViN86]

sorry, there's something on nvnews, let me see if i can find it.

[ViN86]

here it is

http://nvnews.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=108096

[NoWayDude]

So what's new about this news? It has been a rumor for quite some time now

[rhink]

It makes more sense than buying AMD. Though as crappy as Via is, I'd be afraid they'd curse nvidia, heh. Buy the company, loot the licenses/patents and any facilities they want, then let the corpse rot.

And VIA's license has already transferred. They bought Cyrix, and are still x86 CPU's.

AMD's had cross-licensing deals with Intel for years, going back to when they got started in the CPU business- Intel farmed out chip production to them when they didn't have enough capacity to meet demand. Intel can use AMD developed x86 technology just as much as AMD can use theirs (why there were no issues over Intel making a near-identical 64 bit extension to x86).

[lips]

It seems the only reason to have an x86 license would be to ensure windows compliance. I would assume the fear is if Intel does decide to compete in the high end GPU arena, Nvidia would be pushed out due to Microsoft's familiarity with Intel. Also MS and Intel's long history of development cooperation would probably deny Nvidia's involvement with future shader models. Looking at how far dismissed ogl3 has been lately, I would assume Nv has every right to wish to have x86 licence as a security. I have to say, I find it amusing Nvidia has always adviced Intel chips superiority over AMD, even at times when AMD was the only chip maker with enough FSB via hypertransport for SLI pci-e support. It seems such rationalizing has a way of becoming negative if you catch my meaning.

[Absolution]

how long does intel's ownership of the x86 architecture last? can they do this forever?

what about x64? didnt AMD do this first, or did intel design their own and that's how they got around this?

EDIT: nvm the last question, i think that's the point of EMT64.


it wouldnt matter anyway

the x64 chips will continue to have x86 capabilities for ten or so years just to be backwards compatible.

[CaptNKILL]

I don't see this as a bad thing.

VIA has some really cool technology for the HTPC and compact market (EPIA chips and ITX boards). They seriously lack performance and multimedia capabilities though, and nvidia can probably fix that. VIA is pretty much the only option in the ultra-low-power systems market (intel and amd platforms use more power and cost significantly more) so if nvidia can fix some of the short comings here, they would dominate.

I see this as a good thing for both companies and technology in general.

We really don't need any more VIA desktop chipsets either. nvidia, AMD and Intel offer plenty of choices. SIS had some interesting stuff but they're pretty pointless as well these days. I wonder when they are going to get bought out...