A TOP SPINNER at Chipzilla has finally spoken the truth that dare not say its name - Intel cannot live without AMD.

Dan Snyder - for it was he - told the Wall Street Journal: "We work really closely with them [AMD]. You compete and you work together".

Four years ago the INQ reported an Intel employee in Taiwan as saying: "We must learn to love AMD."

Although the path of true love never runs smoothly, it appears that Intel has succeeded in letting its heart rule its head, and the message has permeated downwards to top spinners at Chipzilla.

Snyder, of course, is referring to the company formerly known as ATI, but nevertheless what might be referred to as affection in a human setting, takes on a different hue with Intel. Intel is believed to be readying its own answer to graphics stuff codenamed Larrabee, which is upsetting both Nvidia and AMD.

Mr Snyder is known for making somewhat controversial declarations. At an Intel Developer Forum a few years ago, a hack was standing next to Mr Snyder when Mad Mike Mageek walked into the gig.

"^%&&^^% Mike Magee, *&^^%%$ Mike Magee," he was heard to mutter, at the prospect of having to smile and exchange bon ton with the scourge of the Intel spinners and spinnerettes.

Wall Street Journal (subscription needed)