Intel Lands Major Contract with Microsoft for 18A Process; Google, NVIDIA, and Others Express Interest

Whoa, I stumbled across this wild take about Intel Foundry and their whole “iPhone moment” with the 18A process. It’s like, all of a sudden, big tech folks are buzzing about it. Seems kinda important, right?

Okay, so here’s the deal: Intel’s been hustling hard to shake things up. It’s not just about stacking cash—though, who doesn’t love that? They’re just sick of TSMC hogging all the limelight, especially here in America. There was this whole thing with Trump and TSMC setting up shop in the US, and now folks are thinking Taiwan’s old news. Wild, huh?

Anyway, Intel’s hyping up their 18A node like it’s the next big thing. Korean media is spilling the beans that Nvidia, Microsoft, and Google are all ears about it. Could this be the competition TSMC’s N2 needs? Maybe, maybe not.

So, Intel made a big splash talking about 18A at Direct Connect 2025. They’re calling it the slickest process made right here in the US. Feels like they’re taking a big swing. I even heard something about superior performance, like this 18A thing isn’t just a step up from Intel 3—they’re aiming for mind-blowing!

Oh, and they’ve mixed things up at the top. Lip-Bu Tan’s now calling the shots, and folks are saying he’s got his eyes on ramping up semiconductor design automation and foundry stuff. Apparently, he might scrap this “IDM 2.0” plan, which could mean a lot for Intel’s CPU game. Exciting times, I guess?

And there’s more—TSMC’s lines are basically jam-packed. Like, everyone’s knocking at their door, but it’s just too busy. So, yeah, competitors are on the lookout. Intel’s on deck as a serious alternative for 2nm stuff. Meanwhile, Samsung Foundry’s in the race too, but they’re still figuring it out.

There you have it. Intel’s swinging for the fences. Could be a smash hit, or just today’s tech drama. You decide.