Intel might soon make a huge comeback with its 18A chip process. Supply chain sources say major tech companies feel good about it. This marks a turning point for Intel Foundry after earlier plans failed to attract many customers. Several big names like NVIDIA and Broadcom have started testing chips made with this new method. The 18A could help Intel compete directly against TSMC.
Intel plans to use the 18A process for most of its products. The company aims to make about 70 percent of its chips using its factories, which shows Intel's desire for more control over its products. Reports suggest the Nova Lake compute tile might partly use Intel's 18A instead of just TSMC parts. Partners already testing 18A samples have given positive feedback about how well they work.
Intel is working with NVIDIA, Broadcom, Faraday Technology, IBM, and other companies to perfect the 18A process. Interest runs high among these tech giants. NVIDIA especially wants to expand where it makes chips, with more focus on US production. The 18A process matches TSMC's N2 in memory density and performs much better than Intel's older 3-node. Intel added a feature called PowerVia to make the 18A stand out.
The real test will come when Panther Lake chips arrive. These will show what the 18A can really do.
Intel plans to use the 18A process for most of its products. The company aims to make about 70 percent of its chips using its factories, which shows Intel's desire for more control over its products. Reports suggest the Nova Lake compute tile might partly use Intel's 18A instead of just TSMC parts. Partners already testing 18A samples have given positive feedback about how well they work.
Intel is working with NVIDIA, Broadcom, Faraday Technology, IBM, and other companies to perfect the 18A process. Interest runs high among these tech giants. NVIDIA especially wants to expand where it makes chips, with more focus on US production. The 18A process matches TSMC's N2 in memory density and performs much better than Intel's older 3-node. Intel added a feature called PowerVia to make the 18A stand out.
The real test will come when Panther Lake chips arrive. These will show what the 18A can really do.
