Toshiba, the fourth largest PC company in the world, will end its exclusive relationship with Intel (INTC) and begin putting AMD (AMD) chips in about 20% of its computers sold in the US and Europe.

After taking a relentless pounding in the stock market and raising money to keep its balance sheet strong, the company needs a few minor breaks for Wall St. to believe that it will not be pounded into oblivion by its larger rival.

Over the last year, AMD’s shares are down 50% while Intel’s have risen 20%.

Douglas A. McIntyre can be reached at douglasamcintyre@247wallst.com. He does not own securities in companies that he writes.