Reuters reported that despite the company's investment of billions of dollars, Intel Intel 18A processes, a large processor manufacturer, still faced the dilemma of low yield and high defect rates. This technology bears the high hopes of Intel to surpass NTD and then return to its leading position in crystalline manufacturing. However, challenges from the inside and doubts from the outside are casting a shadow on the prospect.
The Intel 18A process dilemma has not surfaced for the first time. In 2024, a report pointed out that Broadcom was dissatisfied with the results of potential order tests. Although Intel once claimed that the Intel 18A process has been smooth, it has produced Panther Lake processors in large scale in the second half of the year, and is confident in performance and yield, and has strengthened Intel's position in the market. But the latest news again warns.
Intel will have a yield of 50% of available chips as a large production gate, and a yield of 70% to 80% can make a profit. However, the 2024 report shows that Intel 18A processes produce chips at only 5% yield when producing chips by Panther Lake processors. The company has set a goal, hoping to increase the yield to 10% by the summer of 2025. Although the latest reports do not clearly indicate the current specific yield of Intel 18A, it is described as a small percentage. This represents the maturity of the process technology and is still quite far from the ideal state of large-scale commercial production.
In response to external doubts, Intel remained happy. The spokesperson expressed his satisfaction with the current situation of Intel 18A. The development of Intel 18A feels very good and will become the foundation of customer and server products in several years. Reiterate that Panther Lake processor will be a big product and will be launched in the second half of the year as planned.
Intel financial manager David Zinsner was interviewed by Reuters in July, and the Intel 18A yield performance was better than reporting. Yields often start from low points and improve at any time. This speech reflects the challenges facing the semiconductor process in the early stages, but the optimization and experience accumulation will gradually mature. However, Intel 18A is still bet on Intel's high-risk risks. Reuters visited sources, and Intel even described it as a desperate adventure. The extreme strategy not only shows Intel's determination to revitalize its manufacturing power, but also implies huge pressure. The success and failure of the Intel 18A process is of extraordinary significance for Intel. Only a smooth launch will help attract more customers for the next generation of Intel 14A.
However, in July, Intel executive chairman Chen Liwu warned investors that if Intel 14A cannot obtain orders, the company will have to withdraw from the chip manufacturing business, highlighting the importance of Intel 18A, because it not only concerns Intel’s market competition, but also a long-term business model and survival strategy.