Intel wrapped up its big tech show in Las Vegas yesterday. Since then, many tech news sites have been writing about what Intel shared during the two-day event. They talked a lot about their new Core Ultra 300 "Panther Lake" chips that will use their 18A manufacturing process. Intel plans to start making these chips this year and release them in 2025, with large-scale production in 2026. The success of these new chips depends on how well Intel's chip-making business grows. Intel recently posted that its 18A process has reached "risk production" - the last step before they start making tons of chips in 2025.
Back in mid-2021, when Pat Gelsinger was in charge, Intel started a plan called "five nodes in four years." This meant creating five new chip-making methods fast. The 18A process marks the end of this plan and should be finished later this year. Intel has a new leader now - Lip-Bu Tan has taken over as CEO. During the Vision 2025 event, Kevin O'Buckley, who runs Intel's chip-making business, explained what "risk production" means. Despite its name, it's just a normal step where customers have tested the tech and given it a thumbs-up for mass production. The main challenge is making more chips - going from small test batches to millions of chips that can meet customer demand.
Intel's big plan was to ensure that new chip-making methods reach full production without getting stuck at the end. By reaching the risk production stage with their 18A process, Intel hopes to meet the growing need for chips and stay ahead of other companies making similar products. They want to be the leader in this very competitive field.
The head of Intel Products, Michelle Johnston Holthaus, recently said: "Later this year, we will boost our product lineup with Panther Lake, our first product using Intel 18A coming in late 2025. As the first major customer using Intel 18A, I see the improvements Intel's factory is making on performance and production rates. I look forward to starting production later next year as we show off what our top-notch design and manufacturing can do. The year 2026 looks even better as Panther Lake reaches meaningful production levels."
Back in mid-2021, when Pat Gelsinger was in charge, Intel started a plan called "five nodes in four years." This meant creating five new chip-making methods fast. The 18A process marks the end of this plan and should be finished later this year. Intel has a new leader now - Lip-Bu Tan has taken over as CEO. During the Vision 2025 event, Kevin O'Buckley, who runs Intel's chip-making business, explained what "risk production" means. Despite its name, it's just a normal step where customers have tested the tech and given it a thumbs-up for mass production. The main challenge is making more chips - going from small test batches to millions of chips that can meet customer demand.
Intel's big plan was to ensure that new chip-making methods reach full production without getting stuck at the end. By reaching the risk production stage with their 18A process, Intel hopes to meet the growing need for chips and stay ahead of other companies making similar products. They want to be the leader in this very competitive field.
The head of Intel Products, Michelle Johnston Holthaus, recently said: "Later this year, we will boost our product lineup with Panther Lake, our first product using Intel 18A coming in late 2025. As the first major customer using Intel 18A, I see the improvements Intel's factory is making on performance and production rates. I look forward to starting production later next year as we show off what our top-notch design and manufacturing can do. The year 2026 looks even better as Panther Lake reaches meaningful production levels."
