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

Whoa, so here’s what’s going down with Intel’s new 18A process — which, by the way, could be their “iPhone moment” in this techie world. Yeah, seriously! Right now, it’s a hot topic because some huge names in tech are sniffing around. Let me rewind and lay this out — kinda like unraveling a ball of yarn, right?

Firstly, Intel’s been kinda desperate for a breakthrough, trying to shift the spotlight from TSMC — and, uh, not just ’cause they need the cash. It’s more like they need some cred back, especially on their home turf in the good old US of A. Ever since that whole TSMC-Trump buddy deal, a bunch of their clients started cozying up to TSMC’s fancy new US joints, see? But then — enter the 18A node! Come on, Intel’s gotta have something up their sleeve, and apparently, they do.

So, get this: Intel’s in chat mode with NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Google. No kidding. They’re eyeing the 18A like a hawk, probably because it might just be the cooler cousin of TSMC’s N2 process. Team Blue bragged big about it at Direct Connect 2025 (what a name, right?), calling it their most ace process made in the US. Sounds kinda like they’re setting the stage for a grand showdown. Word is, it’s packing some serious heat — better SRAM density and efficiency than the older Intel 3. Clients seem jazzed, and that’s always a good sign, I think.

Now a slight detour here — there’s a new captain steering Intel’s ship, Lip-Bu Tan. And rumor has it, under Tan’s reign, there’s gonna be a laser focus on EDA, packaging, and foundry. Who knew leadership changes could stir such a buzz, huh? Oh, speaking of which, Tan might send their “IDM 2.0” strategy packing. Honestly, the moves could rev up Intel’s engine, especially with CPUs, whatever that all means.

But here’s the kicker, TSMC’s production lines are like totally jammed right now. Hence, folks are starting to scout for new playgrounds. In this techy tug-of-war, right now, Intel has a shot at being the cool alternative. Meanwhile, Samsung Foundry’s trying to catch up and put on their game face, but who knows how that race is gonna end.

So yeah, let’s see where this wild ride takes Intel, the tech giants, and maybe even us, the curious bystanders.