Latest news with #Intel3
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Intel's 14A chips might finally prove a match for Apple Silicon
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Intel Foundry is making major strides in 2025, and that could help Intel close the lead on Apple Silicon. While Intel has taken aim at Apple's M4 in both performance and power efficiency, team blue hasn't yet been able to release a chip that competes on both metrics. But that could change soon. This fall, Intel is expected to launch its first chips using the 18A process, codenamed Panther Lake. And in 2027, Intel will unleash its 14A process, which boasts increased power and enhanced efficiency. Intel announced performance metrics for its upcoming 14A silicon process node during the Intel Foundry Direct Connect event in San Jose on Tuesday. But what is Intel 14A, and what does it mean? Intel 14A is a silicon wafer process node that will operate at 1.4 nanometers (nm) for its smallest component (typically based on the width of a transistor). Smaller transistors on a wafer generally means we can make faster chips out of those wafers. The current generation of computer hardware is generally constructed using 3nm to 5nm wafers. So a chip made with a 1.4nm wafer should be significantly faster than a 3nm chip. According to Intel's current testing and projections, the 14A process will be 25-35% better in terms of power consumption over the upcoming 18A (1.8nm) process node that will be used in Panther Lake. Intel is also claiming that 14A chips will see a 15-20% performance per watt increase over 18A. This is due to some of the novel features Intel has packed into the 14A node, including a wider threshold voltage range and the introduction of turbo cells. Expected to hit full production in 2027, Intel's 14A process node chips could be the game changer Intel needs to compete with Apple Silicon "without any compromises." Apple is expected to release its latest silicon, the M5 series, this year, possibly as early as next month. Apple's M5 chips will be using a similar TSMC 3nm process node as the M3 and M4 generations. And Intel is expected to debut its first 18A (1.8nm) chips this fall with the launch of Intel's Panther Lake mobile CPU. Likely hitting the shelves as the Intel Core Ultra 300 series, these chips are expected to be a direct successor to Intel's Lunar Lake, at least as far as power efficiency and a powerful GPU are concerned. According to previous announcements, Intel's 18A node is expected to deliver 25% more performance than the current Intel 3 node, at 36% lower power. Making it more powerful and more efficient than the current Intel 3 chips, used in the Intel Core Ultra 200U series processors (Arrow Lake U). Intel's 18A is the first silicon wafer process node that supports backside power delivery, making it an industry first. All of this should make Panther Lake a solid competitor for Apple's upcoming generation, but exactly how close Intel manages to get on the performance and efficiency metrics remains to be seen. Despite the best efforts of AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm, Apple Silicon remains the benchmark to beat when it comes to laptop performance and battery life. Intel's Lunar Lake chips could close the battery life gap and had shockingly good graphics performance, but these ultra-efficient CPUs fell short in terms of raw computing power. Intel's Arrow Lake H chips provided a direct competitor to Apple's M4 in terms of computing strength, but couldn't quite close the battery life gap. While Intel's most powerful mobile chip this generation, the HX series processors have outperformed the Apple M4, and come close to hitting the same performance as the Apple M4 Pro, they can't compete in terms of battery life. Of course, Arrow Lake HX is pretty much always combined with a discrete GPU, which is part of the efficiency problem. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite is so far the only Windows chipset that can come close to touching Apple's proprietary silicon in terms of performance power and battery efficiency, but suffers compared to other Windows chips due to its smaller app library and lack of proper gaming support. While most people will decide their next laptop purchase based on operating system or manufacturer, you shouldn't need to make any serious compromises by choosing a Windows system over a MacBook. Which is why we still look at Apple as a comparison for Windows systems, and especially for x86 and Windows on Arm chipsets. If Intel (and AMD and Qualcomm) keep pushing against Apple's lead, that can only mean better things for laptop buyers. You'll be getting more power and more efficiency regardless of what silicon you take home. It's entirely possible Intel could overtake Apple in the future, especially with Panther Lake coming in the fall. While Apple is expected to move to TSMC's smaller 2nm process node for the M6 generation, that chip is expected in late Spring 2026 at the absolute earliest. And then there's the 14A 2027 manufacturing timeline, which could clinch the lead for Intel, depending on how well Panther Lake performs later this year. Of course, all of this is speculation. But we are rapidly hurtling into the future where your next laptop will be more powerful than you need. Intel's new CEO Lip-Bu Tan has a retro vision for Intel's future, but is nostalgia the key to success? We're just trying to make computers faster, more power efficient, and AI is the new face of that": Intel's Robert Hallock on the impact of AI and the myth of the "killer app" 6 months later, has Intel finally fixed desktop performance?
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Intel's 14A chips might finally prove a match for Apple Silicon
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Intel Foundry is making major strides in 2025, and that could help Intel close the lead on Apple Silicon. While Intel has taken aim at Apple's M4 in both performance and power efficiency, team blue hasn't yet been able to release a chip that competes on both metrics. But that could change soon. This fall, Intel is expected to launch its first chips using the 18A process, codenamed Panther Lake. And in 2027, Intel will unleash its 14A process, which boasts increased power and enhanced efficiency. Intel announced performance metrics for its upcoming 14A silicon process node during the Intel Foundry Direct Connect event in San Jose on Tuesday. But what is Intel 14A, and what does it mean? Intel 14A is a silicon wafer process node that will operate at 1.4 nanometers (nm) for its smallest component (typically based on the width of a transistor). Smaller transistors on a wafer generally means we can make faster chips out of those wafers. The current generation of computer hardware is generally constructed using 3nm to 5nm wafers. So a chip made with a 1.4nm wafer should be significantly faster than a 3nm chip. According to Intel's current testing and projections, the 14A process will be 25-35% better in terms of power consumption over the upcoming 18A (1.8nm) process node that will be used in Panther Lake. Intel is also claiming that 14A chips will see a 15-20% performance per watt increase over 18A. This is due to some of the novel features Intel has packed into the 14A node, including a wider threshold voltage range and the introduction of turbo cells. Expected to hit full production in 2027, Intel's 14A process node chips could be the game changer Intel needs to compete with Apple Silicon "without any compromises." Apple is expected to release its latest silicon, the M5 series, this year, possibly as early as next month. Apple's M5 chips will be using a similar TSMC 3nm process node as the M3 and M4 generations. And Intel is expected to debut its first 18A (1.8nm) chips this fall with the launch of Intel's Panther Lake mobile CPU. Likely hitting the shelves as the Intel Core Ultra 300 series, these chips are expected to be a direct successor to Intel's Lunar Lake, at least as far as power efficiency and a powerful GPU are concerned. According to previous announcements, Intel's 18A node is expected to deliver 25% more performance than the current Intel 3 node, at 36% lower power. Making it more powerful and more efficient than the current Intel 3 chips, used in the Intel Core Ultra 200U series processors (Arrow Lake U). Intel's 18A is the first silicon wafer process node that supports backside power delivery, making it an industry first. All of this should make Panther Lake a solid competitor for Apple's upcoming generation, but exactly how close Intel manages to get on the performance and efficiency metrics remains to be seen. Despite the best efforts of AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm, Apple Silicon remains the benchmark to beat when it comes to laptop performance and battery life. Intel's Lunar Lake chips could close the battery life gap and had shockingly good graphics performance, but these ultra-efficient CPUs fell short in terms of raw computing power. Intel's Arrow Lake H chips provided a direct competitor to Apple's M4 in terms of computing strength, but couldn't quite close the battery life gap. While Intel's most powerful mobile chip this generation, the HX series processors have outperformed the Apple M4, and come close to hitting the same performance as the Apple M4 Pro, they can't compete in terms of battery life. Of course, Arrow Lake HX is pretty much always combined with a discrete GPU, which is part of the efficiency problem. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite is so far the only Windows chipset that can come close to touching Apple's proprietary silicon in terms of performance power and battery efficiency, but suffers compared to other Windows chips due to its smaller app library and lack of proper gaming support. While most people will decide their next laptop purchase based on operating system or manufacturer, you shouldn't need to make any serious compromises by choosing a Windows system over a MacBook. Which is why we still look at Apple as a comparison for Windows systems, and especially for x86 and Windows on Arm chipsets. If Intel (and AMD and Qualcomm) keep pushing against Apple's lead, that can only mean better things for laptop buyers. You'll be getting more power and more efficiency regardless of what silicon you take home. It's entirely possible Intel could overtake Apple in the future, especially with Panther Lake coming in the fall. While Apple is expected to move to TSMC's smaller 2nm process node for the M6 generation, that chip is expected in late Spring 2026 at the absolute earliest. And then there's the 14A 2027 manufacturing timeline, which could clinch the lead for Intel, depending on how well Panther Lake performs later this year. Of course, all of this is speculation. But we are rapidly hurtling into the future where your next laptop will be more powerful than you need. Intel's new CEO Lip-Bu Tan has a retro vision for Intel's future, but is nostalgia the key to success? We're just trying to make computers faster, more power efficient, and AI is the new face of that": Intel's Robert Hallock on the impact of AI and the myth of the "killer app" 6 months later, has Intel finally fixed desktop performance?
Irish Times
23-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Intel and Ireland: from world's most valuable chipmaker to struggling also-ran
Just five years ago, Intel was the world's most valuable chipmaker. Yet, in a technology world now consumed by AI innovation and dominated by other companies, most notably Nvidia, its fortunes have changed drastically. In recent times Intel's shares have plummeted more than 50 per cent and its market capitalisation stands at about $102 billion. As well as losing ground to chip rivals, it is under pressure to sell off its loss-making manufacturing business. Intel says it contributed €3.73 billion to the Irish economy in 2023 and was responsible for 0.7 per cent of overall GDP. As well as employing 4,900 people, it supports about 770 Irish suppliers with €284 million in annual expenditure. Ireland has had a long, mutually beneficial relationship with the US giant. Here is how it has played out amid recent difficulties. READ MORE 2019 – After three decades in Ireland, construction begins on the €17 billion Fab 34 in Leixlip. The multi-year project would double the manufacturing capacity in Ireland, enabling the production of Intel 4 and Intel 3, the company's most advanced process technologies. July, 2022 – Demand for its PC chips cools off from pandemic highs. Intel lowers its full-year revenue forecast. Shares fall. October, 2022 – The firm plans a major reduction in headcount. The company is battling a steep decline in product demand and is struggling to regain market share ceded to rivals. With pledges to slash costs, it looks at staff reductions and slower spending on new plants to net savings of $3 billion (€2.6 billion) by the following year. December, 2022 – Staff in Kildare are told to consider taking unpaid leave amid a slowdown in demand for its products and 15 per cent drop in PC sales. January, 2023 – About $8 billion is wiped off the company's market value following dismal earnings projections and unease at the slump in the PC market. Revenue forecasts are $3 billion below estimates. February, 2023 – Intel slashes its dividend payment to the lowest level in 16 years in an effort to preserve cash and focus on its turnaround. It says 'improved financial flexibility will support the critical investments needed to execute Intel's transformation during this period of macroeconomic uncertainty.' May, 2023 – Nvidia becomes the first chipmaker to hit a $1 trillion valuation. September, 2023 – Kildare's Fab 34 facility opens. Intel chief executive Pat Gelsinger says its 'critical chip' is the most advanced it has ever produced and will 'enable AI everywhere'. January, 2024 – The first batch of Intel's most power-efficient processor, the Meteor Lake, to aid AI and machine learning capabilities are shipped in what is dubbed its 'largest architectural shift in 40 years'. March, 2024 – Competitor Nvidia unveils its latest more powerful artificial intelligence chips with eye on extending industry dominance. June, 2024 – Apollo Global Management buys 49 per cent stake in Intel's Leixlip plant for $11 billion. August, 2024 – Intel moves to cut almost 17,000 jobs and suspend dividends as it attempts to restructure to compete artificial intelligence. The cuts are part of a $10 billion trim, but shares still fall 13 per cent. Management in Ireland begins consultations with staff on voluntary redundancies, understood to be open to about 4,000 people but with no specific target number. September 2024 – Staff told of plans to close its facility at Shannon by late 2025, with the base for the firm's operations moving to Leixlip. November, 2024 – Company books a €17.2 billion set of restructuring and asset impairment charges in an attempt to rebuild competitiveness. December, 2024 – As troubles continue to mount at the chipmaker, chief executive Pat Gelsinger says he will step down. March, 2025 – Former board member and semiconductor veteran Lip-Bu Tan (65) is named as replacement chief executive in a bid to revitalise the ailing company. Shares jump more than 11 per cent. April, 2025 – Intel agrees to sell its Altera chip unit to private equity group Silver Lake to raise cash. If follows a cost-cutting move in January which saw it separate Intel Capital into a new standalone fund. April, 2025 – News emerges the company is to cut more than 20 per cent of staff globally.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Intel details next-gen 18A fab tech: significantly more performance, lower power, higher density
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Intel is set to detail (PDF) the advantages of its 18A manufacturing technology (1.8nm-class) compared to its Intel 3 fabrication process at the upcoming VLSI Symposium 2025. As expected, the new production node will offer substantial benefits across power, performance, and area (PPA) metrics, thus providing tangible advantages both for client and data center products. Intel claims that its 18A fabrication process delivers 25% more performance at the same voltage (1.1V) and complexity, as well as 36% lower power at the same frequency and voltage of 1.1V for a standard Arm core sub-block compared to the same block fabricated on Intel 3 process technology. At a lower voltage (0.75V), Intel 18A provides 18% higher performance and 38% lower power. In addition, 18A consistently achieves 0.72X area scaling compared to Intel 3. Intel's 18A manufacturing technology is the company's first node to rely on gate-all-around (GAA) RibbonFET transistors and feature PowerVia backside power delivery network (BSPDN), two features that enable major PPA advantages. The standard cell layout comparison highlights the significant physical scaling achieved by Intel 18A over Intel 3 in both High-Performance (HP) and High-Density (HD) libraries. Intel 18A reduces cell heights from 240CH to 180CH in HP libraries and from 210CH to 160CH in HD libraries, which represents a ~25% reduction in vertical dimension. This tighter cell architecture allows for increased transistor density, contributing directly to improved area efficiency. The use of PowerVia BSPDN enables more efficient vertical routing by offloading power lines from the front side of ICs, freeing up space for signal routing and further compacting the layout. Additionally, refined gate, source/drain, and contact structures improve overall cell uniformity and integration density. These enhancements collectively enable Intel 18A to deliver better performance-per-area and energy efficiency, supporting more advanced and compact chip designs. Intel is reportedly on track to start high-volume manufacturing of compute chiplets for its codenamed Panther Lake processors for client PCs later this year and then chiplets for Clearwater Forest data center systems in early 2026. In addition, the company is on track to tape out the first third-party designs on 18A in mid-2025. Apparently, there is interest in developing third-party chips for Intel 18A. In addition to presenting a general paper describing its 18A technology, Intel plans to present a paper describing a PAM-4 transmitter implemented using 18A production node with a BSPDN that is co-authored by engineers from Intel, Alphawave Semi (a contract chip designer and IP provider), Apple, and Nvidia. This does not necessarily mean that Apple or Nvidia will use Intel's 18A for production silicon, but this at least means that they are interested in checking it out. Speaking of Apple and Nvidia, TSMC said that virtually all of its partners plan to adopt its N2 (2nm-class) process technology, so it is reasonable to expect this node to be more widely used than Intel's 18A. Nonetheless, for Intel it is crucial to show that it can develop a competitive node and ramp it to high volume, so 18A will play a vital role for the future of Intel's foundry business.
Forbes
16-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Can Nvidia Save Intel's Foundry Bet?
Trefis Consider this: we're currently in the midst of an intense trade war, with the U.S. government pushing for onshore manufacturing. Simultaneously, semiconductors have emerged as the cornerstone of the modern U.S. economy, powering everything from AI to defense. The government has identified semiconductors as a critical component of national security, with a focus on protecting American AI innovation and intellectual property. With the largest domestic chip production capacity, Intel stock appears well-positioned to benefit from these macro trends. The company has proactively invested $95 billion in capital expenditures over the past four years to build its foundry capacity. Yet, the stock has underperformed, falling nearly 3% year-to-date and dropping 45% over the past year. Investor confidence in Intel's foundry ambitions remains low, particularly given the unit posted nearly $13 billion in losses last year. However, a turnaround could be on the horizon as Intel ramps up production of its advanced 18A process and is reportedly close to securing Nvidia as a foundry customer. The Intel 3 process node has already entered mass production and is currently used for manufacturing Xeon 6 data center processors. Intel has begun sampling chips made using its latest 18A process with laptop manufacturers. The company has previously touted the 18A process as a means to reclaim 'process leadership'—essentially regaining the lead in semiconductor manufacturing technology after years of trailing industry giants TSMC and Samsung. Intel's 18A process includes key innovations. While both the Intel 18A and TSMC's N2 nodes utilize gate-all-around transistors, Intel has added backside power delivery to its design, enhancing efficiency and performance. Confidence in Intel's technology appears to be growing among customers. Microsoft and Amazon have already engaged Intel to fabricate custom chips, including AI accelerators, and this momentum may build further. To date, Intel's confirmed foundry clients have largely been non-traditional semiconductor players such as Amazon, Microsoft, Tower Semiconductor, and MediaTek. However, according to UBS, Nvidia may consider using Intel Foundry for manufacturing its gaming GPUs. Securing Nvidia—currently the world's largest fabless chip designer—would be a significant breakthrough for Intel's foundry strategy. In addition to the standard 18A node, Intel is developing a performance-enhanced variant called 18A-P. This version could appeal to customers seeking better performance or energy efficiency, similar to enhanced versions of TSMC's nodes. The 18A-P node may also offer improved yields, reduced variability, and a more refined manufacturing process. Other AI-focused semiconductor companies, including Broadcom and AMD, have also expressed interest in Intel's services, though Nvidia appears furthest along in its evaluation. It's important to note that Nvidia's interest currently centers on gaming GPUs, not its high-performance AI chips. Nevertheless, if Intel can prove the competitiveness of its process technology, it could eventually expand into producing AI chips for other clients as well. Intel stock has seen highly volatile performance over the last four years, unlike the more stable S&P 500. Annual returns were 6% in 2021, -47% in 2022, a sharp rebound of 95% in 2023, followed by a 60% decline in 2024. The Trefis High Quality Portfolio, consisting of 30 stocks, has exhibited significantly lower volatility. It has also outperformed the S&P 500 over the same four-year span. Why is that? The HQ Portfolio comprises stocks that deliver higher returns with lower risk compared to the benchmark index—a smoother ride, as shown in the HQ Portfolio performance metrics. So, is now the right time to consider buying Intel stock? Intel stock currently trades at less than 18x projected 2026 earnings—a reasonable valuation. Admittedly, the company faces headwinds, including falling earnings in recent years, market share losses to AMD in both PC and server markets, and the broader shift from CPUs to GPUs amid the AI boom. That said, if the foundry unit executes effectively on the 18A process and secures marquee customers like Nvidia, the stock could enjoy substantial upside. We estimate Intel's fair value at $25 per share—roughly 25% above its current market price. See our detailed analysis of Intel's valuation to understand what drives our forecast. Invest with Trefis Market Beating Portfolios | Rules-Based Wealth
