AMD is probably doing this for two reasons; the lesser being salvage, the more important one being that Intel can't do it. Intel would have a far harder time making a tri-core part until Nehalem next September - it is easy to fuse off a core, far harder to MCM disparate cores.
Uh...what?
Why would Intel need a 3 core CPU in the first place? If one of the die fails on a dual core, it can be used as a Core Solo CPU. So, where exactly does Intel need a 3 core CPU.
Another thing is that AMD would be in better shape trying to market a 3 core CPU, just to not let their quads with 1 bad die go into the garbage.
The issue at hand is how to market a 3 core CPU.
What is the distinct advantage of 3 core CPUs over dual cores? And with quad core prices being low, what are the advantages of getting a 3 core over a quad core?
It's a nice scenario, if AMD markets it correctly, but unless they can show why a 3 core is better than both a dual and a quad, it might not really work too well.