Intel 18A (Chip Manufacturing Technology)

History

2024: Processor failure rate reaches 90 %

In early December 2024, it became known that in the production of processors using the new Intel 18A technology, usable products account for only 10% of the total output, which makes mass production, which was planned to be launched in 2025, impossible. Another problem may well become critical for Intel Foundry.

At the current stage, Intel has failed to achieve the level of production quality that would make the release of large batches of Xeon and Core chips profitable for the company. It is known that Broadcom, which is the main customer of IFS, remained dissatisfied with the production tests of Intel 18A, and the company's engineers argue that at this level of scrap this process cannot be used for mass production at all. South Korean media claim Broadcom has cancelled its orders at Intel and is now looking for viable alternatives.

𝓲

Unsplash

In addition, it is argued that the inability to achieve production standards and the unsuccessful launch of IFS were the main reasons why Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger was fired. The failure of the new program prevented the company from receiving larger subsidies from the U.S. government, the latest blow to Gelsinger. Given that the situation with Intel Foundry has not changed, a division sale now looks inevitable.

As Intel grapples with new challenges, its main competitor TSMC is successfully pushing new offerings. The TSMC N2 (2nm) process is believed to be far superior to the Intel 18A processor, mainly due to its higher SRAM density. This indicator plays a decisive role in the performance of processors, and therefore in the success of the use of new technologies.^[1]

Notes