An automated menu answers calls to Advance Micro Devices (AMD). It first asks for the name of the person you're trying to reach. Most of the menu is voice-activated, though you can press one for help with AMD products as the second option. You have to push it immediately, or it launches into the voice menu. If you don't press one, you're given options to enter an extension, get directions to their offices, hear instructions on using the voice menu or speak with the operator if you're unsure which option to choose. If you don't make a choice, you'll be sent to the operator after a few seconds.

Since I had a question about an AMD graphics card, I pressed one from the main menu. From there, the menu tree used button presses instead of voice prompts. You can either press one for technical support or two for help with online purchases from AMD. This menu won't repeat; it only gives you a few seconds to choose before disconnecting the call. I opted for tech support. It gave me a recording saying that many solutions can be found online and that warranties are now done exclusively through the online form. It went on to say that they collect personal information to provide better customer service and that the data will be stored in their system. They provide the URL to read their privacy policy. 

As soon as the recording ended, another one informed me that all the customer service representatives were busy and to please hold. However, the agent immediately answered and asked for my name and phone number. He was friendly and upbeat and quickly helped me with my problem. He seemed knowledgeable and happy to help. It was a pretty pleasant experience that took less than fifteen minutes total on the call.

Overall, the phone system was easy to navigate after getting past the initial menu. The first menu isn't very user-friendly. It's awkward to get through when most of the options are voice-activated, but one of them is a button press that you only have a few seconds to complete. I liked the option to speak with an operator and that it sends you there if you don't make any menu choices. It feels more accessible for callers who aren't sure who they need to speak with. I got the impression that this phone number was more local; it put options for reaching a specific person or getting driving directions above customer service. AMD has a handful of corporate locations in the US, and this specific phone number is listed under their San Diego location.

People typically call AMD needing tech support, information on warranties and help with online orders. Warranties have to be done through a ticket on their website. You can submit tickets for other technical support requests as well. If your problem isn't resolved by calling AMD, their website has a robust support center that includes user forums.