Reborn Tech Maniac

Chapter 189 Hoarding CPUs for Authorization

For Tang Huan, the undercurrent on Apple's board of directors was just a small episode.

To put it simply, regardless of the profit or loss, this issue only involves his private money, but has no impact on the company.

As for Robert and his ilk, perhaps the forces he relies on have some background, but he himself is just a little flea, so there is no need to care.

You know, Tang Huan has already become one of the upper-class celebrities in the Greater San Francisco area, and even California, and there are many people to contact, so there is no time to waste energy on him.

Because my aunt was so quiet and thoughtful, he had already gone to Singapore when he was still in Europe, and Deng Lijun also took the child back to Los Angeles to prepare for the concert, so Tang Huan simply stayed in Cupertino.

With the advancement of the 386 plan, the main semiconductor components required for the mass production of the second-generation Fangyuan computer also need to make procurement plans early.

At present, memory, MOS-6502, and Zilog-Z80 two 8-bit CPUs can all be found in Japan as a second source of supply, and Tang Huan no longer needs to worry about potential suppression.

However, the CPUs that the 386 plans to use are Intel 8086 and MC68000. At present, only the original factories of Intel and Motorola in the United States supply them.

原本时空里，IBM-PC在1981年8月问世后，其当年销售量为2万5千台，到了1982年达到了19万台，1983年更是直接攀升至70万台。

From this, it is not difficult to calculate how many CPUs IBM has purchased from Intel. In contrast, Tang Huan still needs CPUs for game consoles.

Therefore, it is still very cost-effective to hoard a certain number of CPUs properly while IBM has not fully driven the value of microprocessors.

Perhaps, he can still beat the rabbit with grass and grass-by the way, according to his own wishes, he can avoid the technology export control of the United States and bring the authorization of the second manufacturer to Japan.

As for the main body of the purchase, of course it is EA, a gold-absorbing monster. Even if you just bought a 40.00% stake in United Artists, you can still use a lot of funds.

After a meeting and discussion, Tang Huan decided that the first batch of purchases would be 8086 Intel Intel 68000 and Motorola MC50000, and the subsequent batches would depend on the negotiation results.

Intel is in Silicon Valley, so it was naturally the first contact.However, before meeting with Intel President Andy Grove, Tang Huan inquired about Intel's current situation.Because some former Intel engineers established Seeq with their own funding and produced EEPROM, which caused Intel to sue.

If you're not prepared and get sprayed by an exasperated Grove, it's not good.

After Tang Huan did his homework, he was really ready. After meeting with Grove, before his butt was warmed up, the other party said bluntly: "Tang, there is a Seeq company in Silicon Valley that produces EEPROM. It seems to have a relationship with you. Funding, but its technology belongs to our Intel."

"Sorry, Andy, I did invest in Seeq, but I really don't know why it's so complicated and involves patent disputes." Tang Huan smiled wryly, "You know, my product EEPROM is needed in the industry, and you seem to have a conservative attitude towards EEPROM for the sake of maintaining profits, so when I heard that there is a company that can mass-produce EEPROM at a moderate price, I got involved.”

"It's really that simple?" Grove's face was uncertain.

"Of course." Tang Huan shrugged calmly, "Among other things, my company does not purchase various memories from Intel as usual, so it should be regarded as a star customer."

The reason why Tang Huan spoke so confidently is because he bought a lot of things from Intel.

Due to its early start and strong technical strength in the semiconductor industry, Intel's production process has always been mature and stable, and its products are well-known for its excellence, so Tang Huan had to hold his nose and endure high prices for purchases.

Electronic products have always had an unspoken rule. Products sold in different regions have different versions. For example, Walkman has European version, Asian version, etc., and the Xiaobawang game console is also unavoidable. Naturally, different batches will be produced. When using different parts, Intel's products are designed to cope with this situation, otherwise all Japanese products would have been used long ago.

Tang Huan was an actor, and he did a good job of saving face. Grove saw that he was sincere, so he didn't go any further.

Of course, the actual situation is that everyone is a clear-headed person, and they are well aware of this in the market, and they must know how to weigh the pros and cons.

"If possible, I will try my best to persuade Seeq and Intel to reach a settlement. After all, we all rely on technology for a living, and we should respect each other's labor achievements." After Tang Huan said a few words without pain, he changed the subject, Dao made it clear.

"50000 Intel 8086." Grove muttered, a look of surprise flashed across his face.

He is quite familiar with the hardware products in the hands of the big customer in front of him. Both the Xiaobawang game console and the Apple II function expansion card have at least one MOS 6502 architecture CPU. The consumption of the CPU is simply outrageous. It's hard not to mess with your brain.

"Thank you for your patronage, we will give you the best discount." After expressing his attitude, Grove asked tentatively, "Have you developed a new product?"

"Naturally, otherwise, why would I purchase it?" Tang Huan smiled and said leisurely: "This is only the first batch, but what I am worried about is that your main energy is now on the production of memory, micro-processing The proportion of the device business is not large, so is there sufficient guarantee for its production capacity?"

"You don't have to worry about this problem. Intel is capable of solving any production problems." Grove waved his hand arrogantly.

"In my opinion, it's safe to have a second manufacturer." Tang Huan stared at Grove, "Don't refuse in a hurry, I heard that IBM has approached you. I guess, it should be related to the CPU. According to Big Blue’s consistent requirements for suppliers require a second manufacturer, and it is very difficult for Intel to refuse this cooperation. Therefore, it will be a matter of time before a second manufacturer appears.”

"You really know a lot." Grove snorted angrily, "Could it be that you plan to invest in building a factory for production?"

"This job is too professional, I can't do it." Tang Huan shook his head modestly, "I'm asking on behalf of the Japanese company. You know, they are very rich now."

"Sorry, I can't answer you immediately on this matter." Grove said slowly.

"It doesn't matter, I have the patience to wait." Tang Huan stood up and left, before leaving, he left a sentence, "I am also very interested in Motorola's MC68000, which is a quasi-32-bit CPU."

(End of this chapter)