UK — The Register

AMD on track to overtake Intel as biggest x86 outfit

ChipsNovember 4, 20261 min read

AMD says it expects to earn more revenue than Intel next quarter. If that happens, it could become the biggest seller of x86 processors, the chip type used in most PCs and servers.

What happened

AMD reported its third-quarter 2026 results and said it expects to bring in about $17 billion next quarter. Intel only guided to $15 billion to $16 billion. That would make AMD the top seller of x86 chips by chip revenue. Intel would still have more total revenue because it runs a foundry, which makes chips for other companies.

Key numbers

AMD's total revenue rose 45 percent to $13.4 billion in Q3 2026.
AMD's Data Center segment (chips for big computer centers) earned $8.5 billion, up 97 percent.
AMD's client and gaming chip sales fell 8 percent to $3.7 billion.
PC chip sales rose 7 percent to $2.9 billion, helped by Ryzen mobile processors.
Intel guided to $15 billion to $16 billion, which is almost no growth.

Why the chip race matters

x86 is a family of processor designs. Intel started it, and AMD has competed with Intel for years. AMD is now strong in server chips and also sells graphics chips, where it is second to Nvidia.

Why it matters

This could be the first time AMD becomes the leading seller of x86 processors. AMD's CEO Lisa Su says demand from data centers and AI is growing fast, and she says the company has secured the parts it needs. Big business customers, like large banks and car makers, can also bring steady income.

What to watch

Whether AMD reaches its expected revenue of about $17 billion next quarter.
Whether AMD can keep its promise that the company will grow more than 80 percent in 2027.
How Intel responds with its own products and pricing.
Whether AMD's supply chain can keep up with the demand for its chips.

Glossary

AMD: A chip company that makes processors and graphics chips for PCs, servers and AI.
Intel: A large chip company that makes processors and runs a foundry that builds chips for other firms.
x86: A family of processor designs used in most PCs and many servers.
Data Center segment: The part of AMD's business that sells chips for large computer centers and AI work.
Ryzen: AMD's brand name for its processors used in PCs and laptops.

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