Intel Clinches Major Deal With Microsoft for 18A Process; Google, NVIDIA, and Others Set to Follow

Alright, let’s dive into this. I mean, Intel Foundry finally having its “iPhone moment”? Sounds like it’s catching some big eyes with this 18A thing. No clue why, but something about it just feels like it’s grabbing headlines left and right.

I heard somewhere — maybe it was a dream, who knows — that Intel’s scrambling for a major win. It’s not just about the money; it’s kinda personal. They want to be in the limelight, especially since TSMC has been stealing the show after that whole Trump deal. TSMC opened up shop in the US, and suddenly everyone’s thinking of the States as a solid backup for Taiwan. So, Intel tosses the 18A node on the table, hoping it’ll be the ace up their sleeve. The grapevine (or was it ChosunBiz?) mentions chats with NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Google. Apparently, this 18A could go toe-to-toe with TSMC’s N2 process. Or maybe I imagined it.

Oh, and they didn’t just keep it a secret. Nope, they flaunted it at Direct Connect 2025. Called it “the most advanced process manufactured in the US.” Bold, right? Seems it can match SRAM density and boasts some fine performance numbers — at least that’s the word on the street. Forget Intel 3, this one supposedly wipes the floor with it. Hard to tell if they’re on the mark, but that’s the buzz floating around.

The new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan — yeah, that guy — seems to be shaking things up too. There’s talk about a big shift towards semiconductor design automation and all that jazz. Apparently, ditching “IDM 2.0” is on the table? I mean, who knows what that really means, but it sounds serious.

Meanwhile, TSMC’s floors are jam-packed. Firms are like ants finding a new hill. So, Intel’s got a shot to elbow its way next to TSMC’s 2nm node. Samsung? They’re around too but haven’t really made a big splash yet.

Anyway, it’s a wild ride, this chip-making business. Can’t wait to see who comes out on top.