Microsoft could be axing Intel for AMD in new Surface device

Microsoft could be axing Intel for AMD in new Surface device

Microsoft's new Surface laptop could be powered by a chip made by AMD and not long-time partner Intel, according to reports.

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.

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"[T]here are some open questions around the new Microsoft Surface Laptop 3, but so far neither exact specifications nor first pictures are available," stated WinFuture.

"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."

Rumours of such a move have been swirling for months. If true, this would be a blow for Intel, which has been the chipmaker of choice for Microsoft's Surface devices.

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.

It saw its stock price rise two per cent the morning after the news went public, while Intel's share price rose a slight 0.7 per cent in the same period.

CRN has contacted Intel comment. AMD and Microsoft both told CRN that they do not comment on "rumour or speculation".