@Topweasel , are you saying that AMD has no role in, nor incurs any costs validating server platforms? That sounds very wrong to me.
I didn't say that. They will still have to work with their customers to validate the hardware. But that is a flat cost cost really, they don't have any real development costs for "parts that serve a mission critical need". OEM's are basically free to integrate the hardware that they are comfortable onto the platform rather than fit their requirements around AMD's implementation (like they do with Intel). This means quicker validation. So basically they just have AMD's design consultants, on site guys to help develop a validation suite, and whatever the supply of CPU's they need for the testing (which might be the largest portion of costs needed to apply to actual EPYC shipment costs). If they continue to use the platform for several generations, that will only quicken the ability for the OEM's to test what they need.
The end point is that there is a cost. It won't be as high as it used to be. Even if it was it's not as high enough to cause AMD to price it out of its "Disruptive" price range. Intel's pricing is not a sign of actual CPU costs and a EPYC at $1500 is still $1300 in profit at 10k in sales per OEM you have 13 million in profit to cover RD, Validation, consulting per OEM client. That's on a single bare minimum order. If it's popular and they order 100,000 that is 130 million. If AMD can't make themselves profitable off a 500% manufacturing markup then they shouldn't be in business.
Edit: I will note that EPYC has the most room to stretch it's legs profit wise. So it would be a viable option for AMD to price it higher just because Intel's offering in the performance range is so far out there if there is a company in need of more profits it is AMD. But again I don't think they will delve to far from their Zepplin die pricing they seem to have established because it puts a tremendous amount of pressure on both Intel and also onto the OEM's to offer their solutions.