[News] NVIDIA and Broadcom Reportedly Test Intel’s 18A as AMD Also Eyes Potential Deal

According to a Reuters report, sources reveal that NVIDIA and Broadcom are conducting manufacturing tests with Intel’s 18A process, signaling initial confidence in Intel’s advanced fabrication technology. The report further states that AMD is reportedly also assessing Intel’s 18A manufacturing process.

The report highlights that these tests suggest the companies may be approaching a decision on whether to award manufacturing contracts to Intel.

As the report emphasizes, these contracts would be crucial for Intel, as it has yet to secure a major chip designer as a customer. However, the report also points out that the manufacturing tests do not guarantee Intel will win these new contracts.

Intel has stated that it has secured deals with Microsoft and Amazon to manufacture chips using its 18A process. Despite this, as the report notes, details remain limited. The company has not revealed which chip Microsoft intends to produce in Intel’s foundry or specified the product involved in Amazon’s case, as the report notes.

According to Reuters, Nvidia and AMD declined to comment, while Broadcom did not respond to a request for comment.

Intel’s 18A Delay Raises Concerns for Potential Foundry Clients

Meanwhile, citing sources, the Reuters report states that although the 18A process had already been delayed until 2026 for potential contract manufacturing clients, Intel has further extended its timeline by another six months.

As noted by the report, this delay is due to the extended timeframe required to qualify essential intellectual property for the 18A process, which is taking longer than initially anticipated.

Eager to showcase its edge in advanced nodes, Intel has launched a website for its 18A (1.8nm) process, highlighting its readiness for third-party customers and planned tape-outs in the first half of 2025.

With rising trade tensions and Trump’s threats of higher chip tariffs, Intel highlights that 18A will be the “earliest available” sub-2nm advanced node manufactured in North America, providing a reliable supply option for customers.

Read more

• [News] Intel Claims High-NA EUV Machines in Production with Good Results, But 18A Yield Concerns Loom
• [News] Intel to Begin 18A Tape-outs in 1H25, Reportedly Leading TSMC’s 2nm Launch

(Photo credit: Intel)