- Tests using Intel’s next-generation 18A manufacturing process, crucial to its chipmaking comeback, have reportedly failed, with Broadcom finding the process not ready for high-volume production.
- This news comes amidst a challenging period for Intel, including recent financial losses, layoffs, and issues with its 13th and 14th Gen CPUs.
- In response to these setbacks, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger is reportedly planning a company-wide overhaul, including spending cuts and potential asset sales, suggesting a shift in focus and a need to prioritize resources.
Intel’s ambitious plan to reclaim its chipmaking crown has hit a bump in the road. According to Reuters, recent tests using Intel’s next-generation 18A manufacturing process have yielded disappointing results, raising concerns about its readiness for high-volume production.
The 18A process is a crucial component of Intel’s strategy to regain its position as a leading chipmaker. The company has been developing this technology for years and plans to start mass production next year with key partners like Microsoft. However, recent setbacks, including reported losses of $1.6 billion in Q2 2024 and widespread issues affecting its 13th and 14th Gen CPUs, have already cast a shadow on Intel’s aspirations.
While Intel maintains that the 18A process is “healthy and yielding well,” Broadcom’s findings, after testing the process with their silicon wafers, suggest otherwise. This news, coupled with Intel’s recent financial struggles and internal turmoil, raises serious questions about the company’s ability to execute its comeback strategy.
Adding to the pressure, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger is reportedly planning a company-wide overhaul, including spending cuts and asset sales. This move suggests a recognition of the need to prioritize resources and potentially refocus its efforts in light of recent challenges.
The 18A process is a critical piece of Intel’s roadmap. If it fails to deliver on its promises, it could have far-reaching consequences for the company’s future and its ability to compete in the ever-evolving chipmaking landscape.
What you should know
Intel’s 18A refers to the company’s next-generation chip manufacturing process, a key part of its strategy to regain its position as a leading chipmaker. It’s a significant technological leap forward, promising to deliver more efficient and powerful chips.
The “18A” nomenclature signifies that it’s the 18th generation of Intel’s manufacturing process, with “A” representing a major advancement within that generation. This new process is expected to bring several advantages:
- Smaller Transistors: The 18A process involves creating smaller transistors, the fundamental building blocks of microchips. This allows for packing more transistors onto a single chip, leading to increased performance, power efficiency, and density.
- Improved Performance: Smaller transistors translate to faster processing speeds, enabling chips to handle more complex tasks and deliver smoother experiences.
- Increased Energy Efficiency: The reduced size and enhanced efficiency of transistors result in lower energy consumption, benefiting battery life and reducing overall power usage.
The 18A process is a critical component of Intel’s strategy to compete with leading chipmakers like TSMC and Samsung, who have been making significant strides in advanced manufacturing processes. Intel has set its sights on starting mass production of chips using the 18A process in 2025, aiming to deliver a new generation of powerful and efficient chips for its partners and customers.
