History of AMD in Timeline

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is a multinational semiconductor company that designs and develops CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs, SoCs, and high-performance computer components. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, AMD serves diverse markets including PCs, gaming, data centers, and embedded systems. The company plays a significant role in the computing industry, providing processing and graphics solutions for both consumers and businesses.

May 1, 1969: AMD formally incorporated

On May 1, 1969, Advanced Micro Devices was formally incorporated by Jerry Sanders and seven colleagues from Fairchild Semiconductor.

September 1969: AMD moves to new headquarters

In September 1969, AMD moved to its new headquarters in Sunnyvale, California, which included a wafer production facility. The company initially became a second source supplier of microchips designed by Fairchild.

November 1969: First product manufactured

In November 1969, AMD manufactured its first product, the Am9300, a 4-bit MSI shift register.

1969: AMD founded

In 1969, AMD was founded by Jerry Sanders and other technology professionals. The company initially focused on memory chips and computer components.

1970: First proprietary product produced

In 1970, AMD produced its first proprietary product, the Am2501 logic counter, which was highly successful.

1971: Intel creates the first microprocessor

In 1971 Intel created the first microprocessor, the 4-bit 4004.

1971: Entry into RAM chip market

In 1971, AMD entered the RAM chip market with the Am3101, a 64-bit bipolar RAM. Also that year, sales volume of linear integrated circuits greatly increased, reaching US$4.6 million by year-end.

1971: Am2505 becomes best-selling product

In 1971, the Am2505 became AMD's best-selling product; it was the fastest multiplier available at the time.

September 1972: AMD goes public

In September 1972, AMD went public.

1973: Second source for Intel MOS/LSI circuits

By 1973, AMD was a second source for Intel MOS/LSI circuits, including products like Am14/1506 and Am14/1507, dual 100-bit dynamic shift registers.

1975: Production of 212 products

By 1975, AMD was producing 212 products, including 49 proprietary products like the Am9102 and three low-power Schottky MSI circuits.

1975: Entry into the microprocessor market

In 1975, AMD entered the microprocessor market and began competing with Intel.

October 1976: Cross-licensing agreement with Intel

In October 1976, AMD entered into a cross-licensing agreement with Intel, granting AMD a copyright license to the microcode in its microprocessors and peripherals.

1976: AMD-Intel cross-licensing agreement

In 1976, AMD and Intel signed a cross-licensing agreement which was extended through 1995 by the 1982 agreement.

1977: Joint venture with Siemens

In 1977, AMD entered into a joint venture with Siemens, leading to the establishment of Advanced Micro Computers (AMC).

1978: Total sales top $100 million

In fiscal year 1978, AMD's total sales topped $100 million.

1978: Intel introduces the first x86 microprocessors

Intel had introduced the first x86 microprocessors in 1978.

1979: AMD buys out Siemens' stake in AMC

In 1979, AMD bought out Siemens' stake in the American division of Advanced Micro Computers (AMC).

1979: AMD debuts on the New York Stock Exchange

In 1979, AMD debuted on the New York Stock Exchange and began production at its new semiconductor fabrication plant in Austin, Texas.

1980: AMD begins supplying semiconductors for telecommunications

In 1980, AMD began supplying semiconductor products for telecommunications.

October 1981: Technology exchange agreement signed

In October 1981, Intel and AMD signed a 10-year technology exchange agreement.

1981: Construction begins on fabrication plant in San Antonio

In 1981, AMD began construction on a fabrication plant in San Antonio.

1981: AMD closes Advanced Micro Computers

In late 1981, AMD closed Advanced Micro Computers after switching focus to manufacturing second-source Intel x86 microprocessors.

February 1982: AMD Becomes Second-Source Manufacturer for Intel 8086 and 8088

In February 1982, AMD signed a contract with Intel to become a licensed second-source manufacturer of the Intel 8086 and Intel 8088 processors due to IBM's policy of requiring multiple sources for its chips.

February 1982: Technology exchange agreement formally executed

In February 1982, the technology exchange agreement between Intel and AMD was formally executed, enabling AMD to become a second-source manufacturer of Intel's x86 microprocessors.

1982: Volume production of Intel-licensed processors

Beginning in 1982, AMD began volume-producing second-source Intel-licensed 8086, 8088, 80186, and 80188 processors.

1984: World's first 512K EPROM created

In 1984, AMD created the world's first 512K EPROM. AMD was also listed in "The 100 Best Companies to Work for in America".

1984: AMD Am286 clone of Intel's 80286 processor.

In 1984, AMD released its own Am286 clone of Intel's 80286 processor, for the rapidly growing market of IBM PCs and IBM clones.

1984: Intel Decides to Stop Cooperating with AMD

In 1984, Intel internally decided to no longer cooperate with AMD in supplying product information in order to reinforce its market advantage, and delayed and eventually refused to convey the technical details of the Intel 80386 processor.

1985: Downturn in the microchip market

By mid-1985, the microchip market experienced a severe downturn due to aggressive trade practices from Japan and a crowded chip market in the United States.

1985: Intel released x386 Processor

In 1985 Intel released its own x386 processor, after which AMD was forced to develop clean room designed versions of Intel code for its x386 processors.

1985: AMD listed in Fortune 500

In 1985, AMD made the Fortune 500 list for the first time.

1986: Release of AMD Am29000 processor

Beginning in 1986, AMD released their own AMD Am29000 (29k) processor, and increased its EPROM memory market share.

1986: Liberty Chip program devised

In 1986, AMD devised the Liberty Chip program, designing and manufacturing one new chip or chipset per week for 52 weeks. AMD also withdrew from the DRAM market.

1987: AMD Invokes Arbitration Over Intel's Lack of Cooperation

In 1987, AMD invoked arbitration over Intel's refusal to provide technical details for the Intel 80386, leading Intel to cancel the 1982 technology-exchange agreement.

1990: Intel Countersues AMD Over Microcode Rights

In 1990, Intel countersued AMD, leading to renegotiations regarding AMD's rights to use derivatives of Intel's microcode for its cloned processors.

March 1991: AMD Releases Am386 Processor

In March 1991, AMD released the Am386, which was its clone of the Intel 386 processor. AMD sold one million units of the Am386 by October of the same year.

1991: Introduction of Am386 chip

In 1991, AMD introduced its 386-compatible Am386, an AMD-designed chip, and began competing directly with Intel.

1992: AMD Wins Arbitration Against Intel

After three years of testimony, AMD won the arbitration case against Intel in 1992 regarding the sharing of technical details, but Intel disputed the decision.

1993: AMD Introduces Am486 Family of Processors

In 1993, AMD introduced its first Am486 family of processors, which became popular among OEMs, leading to an exclusive agreement with Compaq.

1993: Co-manufacturing flash memory with Fujitsu

Since 1993 AMD had been co-manufacturing flash memory with Fujitsu.

1994: California Supreme Court Sides with AMD in Dispute with Intel

In 1994, the Supreme Court of California sided with the arbitrator and AMD, concluding a long legal dispute with Intel over technology-exchange agreements.

November 1995: AMD Releases Am5x86 Processor

In November 1995, AMD released the Am5x86 processor, based on the Am486, which continued AMD's success by providing a fast and cost-effective processor.

1995: End of cross-licensing agreement extension.

In 1995 the AMD-Intel cross-licensing agreement ended.

January 1996: Acquisition of NexGen

In January 1996, AMD acquired NexGen for $857 million to develop what eventually became AMD K6.

1996: AMD Launches K5 Processor

AMD's first in-house x86 processor, the K5, was launched in 1996. The "K" in its name alluded to Kryptonite, symbolizing a substance to challenge Intel's market dominance (represented as Superman).

1996: AMD Purchases NexGen

In 1996, AMD acquired NexGen to obtain rights to their Nx series of x86-compatible processors and provided the NexGen design team with resources to rework the Nx686.

1996: AMD Gains Rights to Intel Microcode for x386 and x486

In an agreement effective in 1996, AMD acquired the rights to use the microcode in Intel's x386 and x486 processor families, although not for subsequent generations.

1997: AMD Introduces K6 Processor

In 1997, AMD introduced the K6 processor, which was based on the reworked Nx686 design from NexGen. Variants like the K6-III/450 were faster than Intel's Pentium II processors.

June 23, 1999: AMD Debuts Athlon Processor

On June 23, 1999, AMD launched the K7 seventh-generation x86 processor under the brand name Athlon. It used a Slot A connector instead of being compatible with Intel's motherboards.

2000: AMD completed its dual-core product portfolio for each market segment.

AMD completed its dual-core product portfolio for each market segment in 2000.

October 9, 2001: AMD Releases Athlon XP

On October 9, 2001, AMD released the Athlon XP processor, enhancing its desktop processor lineup.

2002: Formula 1 Racing Sponsorship Begins

In 2002, AMD began its sponsorship in Formula 1 racing, marking the start of a long-term involvement in motorsports.

February 10, 2003: AMD Releases Athlon XP with 512 KB L2 Cache

On February 10, 2003, AMD released the Athlon XP with 512 KB L2 Cache, enhancing its desktop processor lineup.

April 22, 2003: AMD Launches Opteron Server Processor

On April 22, 2003, AMD launched the Opteron server-oriented processor, based on the K8 architecture and featuring 64-bit extension (x86-64), on-chip memory controller, and HyperTransport interconnect.

2003: Flash memory business spun off into Spansion

In 2003, AMD spun off its flash memory business and manufacturing into Spansion, a joint venture with Fujitsu.

April 21, 2005: AMD Releases First Dual-Core Opteron

On April 21, 2005, AMD released the first dual-core Opteron processor, an x86-based server CPU.

December 2005: AMD divests itself of Spansion

In December 2005, AMD divested itself of Spansion to focus on the microprocessor market.

July 24, 2006: AMD announces acquisition of ATI Technologies

On July 24, 2006, AMD announced its acquisition of the Canadian 3D graphics card company ATI Technologies.

October 25, 2006: Acquisition of ATI Technologies completed

On October 25, 2006, AMD completed the acquisition of ATI Technologies.

2006: AMD Announces Fusion Initiative

Following AMD's acquisition of ATI Technologies in 2006, the Fusion initiative was announced, aiming to integrate a CPU and GPU onto a single die and was later renamed to the AMD APU (Accelerated Processing Unit).

May 2007: AMD Drops "64" from Dual-Core Desktop Product Branding

In May 2007, AMD dropped the string "64" from its dual-core desktop processor branding, becoming Athlon X2, shifting focus to value dual-core systems.

September 2007: AMD Releases Server Opteron K10 Processors

In September 2007, AMD launched the first server Opteron K10 processors, followed by the Phenom processor for desktop, featuring dual-core, triple-core, and quad-core versions on a single die.

July 2008: Hector Ruiz steps down as CEO

In July 2008, AMD's CEO Hector Ruiz stepped down, while remaining executive chairman, in preparation for becoming chairman of GlobalFoundries.

October 2008: Spin-off of manufacturing operations into GlobalFoundries

In October 2008, AMD announced plans to spin off manufacturing operations in the form of GlobalFoundries Inc.

2008: AMD Releases Dual-Core Sempron Processors in China

In 2008, AMD began releasing dual-core Sempron processors exclusively in China, branded as the Sempron 2000 series, with reduced HyperTransport speed and smaller L2 cache, to target specific market segments.

January 2009: AMD Releases Phenom II Processor

In January 2009, AMD released the Phenom II processor line, a refresh of the original Phenom built using the 45 nm process, featuring dual-core, triple-core and quad-core variants.

March 2009: Hector Ruiz becomes chairman of GlobalFoundries

In March 2009, Hector Ruiz became chairman of GlobalFoundries.

2009: GlobalFoundries spin-off

In 2009, AMD outsourced its manufacturing operations after GlobalFoundries was spun off.

April 2010: AMD Releases Phenom II Hexa-Core Processor

In April 2010, AMD released the Phenom II Hexa-core (6-core) processor, codenamed "Thuban", which incorporated "turbo core" technology to automatically switch between 6 cores and 3 faster cores.

August 30, 2010: Retirement of the ATI brand name

On August 30, 2010, AMD announced that it would retire the ATI brand name for its graphics chipsets in favor of the AMD brand name.

2010: Release of Magny Cours and Lisbon Server Parts

In 2010, AMD released the Magny Cours server processors, featuring 8 to 12 cores focused on performance, and the Lisbon processors, with 4 to 6 cores focused on high performance per watt.

August 2011: Rory Read joins AMD as CEO

In August 2011, AMD announced that former Lenovo executive Rory Read would be joining the company as CEO, replacing Meyer.

November 2011: AMD announces layoffs

In November 2011, AMD announced plans to lay off more than 10% (1,400) of its employees.

October 2012: Additional layoffs announced

In October 2012, AMD announced plans to lay off an additional 15% of its workforce to reduce costs.

2012: Acquisition of SeaMicro

In early 2012, AMD acquired the low-power server manufacturer SeaMicro.

July 1, 2014: AMD Reorganized into Two Business Groups

Effective July 1, 2014, AMD reorganized its operations into two distinct business groups: Computing and Graphics (focused on desktop, notebook processors, chipsets, and GPUs), and Enterprise, Embedded, and Semi-Custom (focused on server, embedded processors, and semi-custom SoCs).

October 8, 2014: Lisa Su becomes CEO

On October 8, 2014, AMD announced that Rory Read had stepped down and was succeeded by Lisa Su as president and chief executive officer.

October 16, 2014: AMD Announces Restructuring Plan

On October 16, 2014, AMD announced a new restructuring plan alongside its Q3 results, which involved reorganizing into two business groups (Computing and Graphics, and Enterprise, Embedded, and Semi-Custom) and laying off 7% of its global workforce by the end of the year.

August 2016: AMD Closes Sunnyvale Headquarters, Leases New Building in Santa Clara

In August 2016, AMD ended its 47-year presence in Sunnyvale and leased a new headquarters building in Santa Clara, facing Intel's headquarters. AMD also agreed to sell 1 AMD Place to the Irvine Company around the same time.

April 2018: Multi-Year Sponsorship with Scuderia Ferrari Begins

In April 2018, AMD began a multi-year sponsorship with Scuderia Ferrari, further solidifying its presence in Formula 1 racing.

2018: Shifting Production to TSMC

In 2018, AMD began shifting the production of their CPUs and GPUs to TSMC after GlobalFoundries announced they were halting the development of their 7 nm process. This marked a significant change in AMD's manufacturing strategy.

April 2019: Sunnyvale Approves Demolition of AMD Place for Redevelopment

In April 2019, the Sunnyvale City Council approved the Irvine Company's plans to demolish 1 AMD Place, AMD's former headquarters, to redevelop the 32-acre site into townhomes and apartments.

2019: Wafer Purchase Requirement Revised

In 2019, AMD revised their wafer purchase agreement with GlobalFoundries. This revision allowed AMD to freely choose foundries for 7 nm nodes and below, while still maintaining purchase agreements for 12 nm and above through 2021.

February 2020: Sponsorship with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Team Announced

In February 2020, the Mercedes Formula 1 team announced that AMD was joining its sponsorship portfolio, just before the start of the 2020 race season.

October 2020: AMD Announces Acquisition of Xilinx

In October 2020, AMD announced its plan to acquire Xilinx, a leader in FPGAs and CPLDs, in an all-stock transaction valued at an estimated $50 billion.

2021: End of Purchase Agreements for 12nm and above

In 2021, AMD's purchase agreements for 12 nm and above with GlobalFoundries ended, as per the revised agreement made in 2019. This allowed AMD full flexibility in choosing foundries for all their production needs.

February 2022: AMD Completes Acquisition of Xilinx

In February 2022, AMD completed its acquisition of Xilinx in an all-stock transaction, estimated at $50 billion, expanding AMD's capabilities in FPGAs and CPLDs.

2022: Xilinx acquisition

In 2022, AMD acquired Xilinx and started offering field-programmable gate array (FPGA) products.

2022: Sponsorship Deal with Victory Five (V5)

In 2022, AMD began a sponsorship deal with Victory Five (V5) for the League of Legends Pro League (LPL), marking their entry into eSports sponsorship.

2022: AMD surpasses Intel by market capitalization

In 2022, AMD's market capitalization surpassed that of Intel for the first time.

January 2024: AMD Discontinues Production of Xilinx CPLDs

In January 2024, AMD announced it would discontinue the production of all complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs) acquired through Xilinx.

February 2024: Diamond Sponsor for WAICF

In February 2024, AMD was a Diamond sponsor for the World Artificial Intelligence Cannes Festival (WAICF), demonstrating their commitment to AI technology.

March 2024: AMD Valuation Exceeds $300B

In March 2024, a semiconductor stock market rally pushed AMD's valuation above $300 billion for the first time, marking a significant financial milestone.

June 2024: Platinum Sponsor for HPE Discover 2024

In June 2024, AMD was a Platinum sponsor for the HPE Discover 2024 event, hosted by Hewlett Packard Enterprise in Las Vegas from June 17 to 20. The event showcased technology for government and business customers.

July 2024: AMD to Acquire Silo AI

In July 2024, AMD announced its intention to acquire Silo AI, a Finnish artificial intelligence start-up company, for $665 million in cash to improve its competitiveness against AI chip market leader Nvidia.

August 2024: AMD to Acquire ZT Systems

In August 2024, AMD signed an agreement to acquire ZT Systems for $4.9 billion. ZT Systems creates custom computing infrastructure used for AI tasks.

2024: Significant gains in the server CPU market

Since early 2024, AMD has made significant gains in the server CPU market, reducing the gap with Intel. Initial reports of a 50:50 market split drew on incorrect data and were later revised.

June 2025: AMD Unveils AI Server for 2026

In June 2025, AMD announced that it was developing a new AI server which will utilize the MI400 series of chips. The server is slated to be released in 2026 and will be named "Helios".

July 2025: AMD Reaches 36.5% of Server CPU Market

As of July 2025, AMD had reached 36.5% of the server CPU market share, showing significant gains while Intel maintained the lead with 63.3%.

October 2025: AMD Agrees to Deal with OpenAI

In October 2025, AMD announced it had agreed a deal with OpenAI to sell six gigawatts of its AI processors over the next five years. As part of the deal, OpenAI has the option to acquire a 10 per cent stake in AMD.

2026: AMD Unveils AI Server for 2026

In June 2025, AMD announced that it was developing a new AI server which will utilize the MI400 series of chips. The server is slated to be released in 2026 and will be named "Helios".