Xbox Creator Apologizes to AMD for Using Intel


 The creator of the first generation Xbox, Seamus Blackley, apologized to AMD CEO Lisa Su and his engineers.

This apology was made by Blackley for Microsoft's decision many years ago, precisely when they released the first generation Xbox on November 15, 2001. The decision in question was the cancellation of the use of AMD chips in the first generation Xbox, and then using chips from Intel.


Through his tweets on Twitter, Blackley explained that the change in decision was the result of a telephone conversation between Bill Gates, CEO of Microsoft at the time, and Andy Grove, CEO of Intel at the time.



The change from an AMD chip to an Intel Pentium III came as a surprise to Blackley and his team at Xbox. It was also a surprise for AMD engineers who were watching in the front row at the Xbox launch, waiting for the final product they had worked on together.


As we approach @Xbox 20th, I feel a need, once again, to apologize for the literal last second, @AMD engineers-who-helped-us-make-the-prototype-boxes-sitting-in-the-front-row -for-the-announcement switch to an Intel CPU. It was Andy calling Bill. not me. @LisaSu I bag mercy.


— Seamus Blackley (@SeamusBlackley) October 12, 2021






"I stood on stage for the announcement with BillG, and they (AMD engineers) were there too, in the front row, looking very sad. I will never forget it. They helped a lot with prototyping. AMD hardware at launch," said Blackley.


So, what is the reason for changing from Intel to AMD? According to Blackley, the reason is not engineering or financial. The reason for choosing Intel is more about good relations with Intel.


"I am very sure. This is purely a political issue," he concluded.


But AMD does not hold grudges, because Xbox finally uses AMD chips in the next generation of consoles. Even in the latest Xbox, Series X and Series S, the chips used are made by AMD.

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