AMD processors for freedom friendly computers?
Most of the ThinkPenguin desktops use Intel processors, but they are expensive compared to a lot of AMD offerings. In having a libre hardware setup, is it preferrable to use Intel instead of AMD? I also know that Intel has built in video card, but does AMD as well?
I ask because I see this processor at a great price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113284
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You can't compare CPUs based on pure Ghz.
You can probably use a combination of AMD components with an older NVIDIA graphics card. It probably won't give you quite the same user experience.
You would also want to find a motherboard without built-in graphics. Your probably looking at a more expensive motherboard. If you saved $100 USD on the CPU you may end up putting that into the motherboard.
If you wanted to try and put something more freedom friendly together although also bad (in terms of supporting two entities which come out very anti-free software) the NVIDIA + AMD CPU (/w out internal graphics) + coreboot might work (but you need to take a look at the list of coreboot supported motherboards). This isn't a simple task as most of the motherboards are no longer in production which will make them harder to find and more expensive. Many of the coreboot systems are server oriented too I believe. Not really good choices if you want to save money..
How many signatures on a petition/certain buyers, do you think would convince AMD to release the specs on at least one modern graphics card? I mean, can't they see there's a considerable amount of users who would ditch intel for coreboot+3d graphics?
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Over 9000 might do it. Seriously though, AMD does not want to release the specs (or release the firmware themselves) because it will make workarounds on their DRM very easy. That was a statement of an AMD official on a forum, where people were talking about writing "open source" drivers for the Radeon cards.
AMD is all for having free software compatible drivers, as long as the firmware binary can remain secret and be shipped with the kernel.
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I think this was an easy explanation to avoid releasing the code. It's not the real reason the code hasn't been released.
I believe there was a question along the lines of "why not release the code with the exception of the digital restrictions portion?" The answer was avoided for a long time. Eventually somebody gave in and answered it though. I don't believe it was a public statement. The person who was given the answer is a notable person in the Free Software community in any event.
Essentially I think it came down to the only way the situation is going to change is if a certain person in the company is replaced / leaves. If that happens then there is a chance things could change. I'm not holding my breath.
I believe there was no actual business case or legal reason for withholding the majority of the code.
A mobo that supports coreboot is important too: http://www.coreboot.org/Supported_Motherboards
Another thing.. there's the M5A88-V EVO that supports coreboot and that processor, but if the on-board video is non-free, that can be disabled: http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/M5A88V_EVO/
Speaking of coreboot, is it easy to install? This ASUS mobo supports v4 and didn't see any downloads for it on the coreboot.org page.
http://www.coreboot.org/Supported_Motherboards#Servers
I was wondering if this could work out: a dual cpu dual ram server mobo with one cpu+ram acting as a graphics card...