Nvidia and Broadcom are reportedly testing Intel’s 18A process node
Intel's 18A manufacturing process is gaining traction, with industry giants Nvidia and Broadcom reportedly testing chips using this process node. This news comes as a welcome boost for Intel, which is striving to regain its footing in the competitive semiconductor landscape.
Sources close to the matter have revealed to Reuters that Nvidia and Broadcom are evaluating the capabilities of Intel's 18A process. Intel's 18A is the company's first process node to utilize gate-all-around RibbonFET transistors and a backside power delivery network called PowerVia. While comparable to TSMC's N2 node in transistor density, 18A is projected to offer superior performance due to these two technologies.
It's important to note that Nvidia and Broadcom are not testing full chip designs at this stage but instead evaluating the performance and characteristics of the 18A process itself. This is standard practice in the industry, allowing potential customers to assess the suitability of a fabrication process before committing to full-scale production.
Broadcom's involvement with 18A dates back to September 2024, though initial reports suggested that the tests might not have met expectations. However, these reports remain unconfirmed, and Broadcom has stated that its evaluation is ongoing. Nvidia's interest in Intel's foundry services is also well-documented. CEO Jensen Huang expressed his openness to using Intel-fabricated chips as early as 2022, and test chips were reportedly being evaluated in 2023.
While these developments are encouraging for Intel, challenges remain. Reuters reports that supplier documents have revealed issues with certain unnamed third-party IP providers, potentially causing further delays for some contract manufacturing customers. These delays could push back launch dates for smaller and mid-sized clients to mid-2026. However, Intel maintains that it is on track to begin production of 18A chips in the second half of this year.
Intel has been actively promoting its 18A technology, even launching a dedicated website to showcase its capabilities. The company's Panther Lake CPUs, built on the 18A process, are expected to enter full production in mid-2025.
KitGuru says: This news comes at a critical time for Intel, which is navigating a challenging period marked by financial losses and increased competition in the data center and foundry markets. The success of the 18A process is crucial for Intel's long-term strategy, and securing major clients like Nvidia and Broadcom would be a significant win.The post Nvidia and Broadcom are reportedly testing Intel’s 18A process node first appeared on KitGuru.
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