AMD wasn't able to match Intel's volume because Intel engaged in outright bribery of PC and server vendors on a impressively massive scale (they literally paid out hundreds of millions per year — and that's just to one vendor — as an incentive not to buy AMD). Other factors obviously didn't help, but this was clearly a huge one.

Given they've been slapped down for this, I wonder if they'll try it again. If they don't, AMD could have an easier go this time round.

I don't completely understand the "need" for bribery. Could they just not lower their prices? (which could have resulted in the same balance in the end)

I think you're confused about "couldn't match their volume". Parent means (I think) that AMD couldn't _sell_ enough units. Not that they couldn't _make_ enough units (which is I think your interpretation).

They couldn't sell enough because someone was paying their customers not to buy their (superior) product.

I think temac was suggesting Intel could sell cheaper chips. Why would Intel need to bribe the competition?

To maintain product pricing and value perception.

And to block competitors from selling out their own products (AMD in that case).

Yes

There are few things at play. And this time is a little different.

1. Opteron in the early 2003 to 2004 did have a good run. It forced Intel to lower prices as well as using dirty tactics to compete. Let's not forget Opteron was AMD first entry into Server market. AMD then failed to execute after that.

2. Software compatibility was a thing, and may still be a thing judging by the comments here. But remember Datacentre is now largely dominated by Cloud and Web Host Providers, and most of them depends on Open Sources Software. All of a sudden, Google Amazon and Microsoft have incentives to improve software compatibility, if there is such problem exist.

3. IO compatibility / performance used be a problem for AMD. I am surprised it is not mentioned anywhere. Intel has the best IO ever with their Chipset. From PCI-E, SATA, AGP etc. But now none of these IO implementation are secrets anymore. Thanks to the SoC IP industry you can get the best and leverage the battle tested IP from other vendors. And not to mention the really only IO left is PCI-E. Which is very well defined.

I expect there will be lots of interest to test out EPYC, but the real volume will be Zen 2, when the industry has settled on EPYC being good enough. And I cant wait to see how Intel would react, after all if you look at their recent management teams changes it seems they dont have a clue what they are doing.