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A new report says Apple A-series chipmaker TSMC is already making chips for Intel, following earlier speculation it was in the cards.
TSMC has a dramatic technological lead over Intel in chip manufacturing, demonstrated in the 5nm A14 chips the company is making for Apple.
Context
Speculation began last year that Intel could focus more on chip designs, outsourcing their manufacture.
Intel, which makes its own chips, has struggled. It’s only now a matter of making a serious move from an earlier manufacturing technology with 14 nanometer functionality to a new 10nm process after years of delays. Even next year’s Rocket Lake chip for desktops will still be built with the 14nm process […]
Intel is giving itself new options, including the ability to use other manufacturers like TSMC to build its chips.
A recent Bloomberg report indicated that Intel had held talks with TSMC.
As Intel catches up with the chip production industry, a new report from Bloomberg reports today that Intel has discussed with TSMC and Samsung the outsourcing of part of the production.
TSMC “ already makes chips for Intel ”
Bloomberg report said that Intel has not yet made a decision, but TrendForce says orders have already been placed for non-CPU chips and plans have been made for future CPUs.
Intel has outsourced production of about 15-20% of its non-processor chips, with most wafer starts for these products being attributed to TSMC and UMC, according to the latest TrendForce surveys. As the company plans to launch mass production of Core i3 processors at TSMC’s 5nm node in 2:21, Intel’s mid-range and high-end processors are expected to enter mass production using TSMC’s 3nm node in 2h22.
The report notes that AMD also subcontracts to TSMC.
When it comes to processors, AMD, which also outsources its processor production to TSMC, is gradually threatening Intel’s PC processor market share.
TrendForce believes Intel will make its own high margin chips and outsource the rest of the production.
TrendForce believes that increased outsourcing of its product lines will not only allow Intel to continue its existence as a major IDM, but also maintain in-house production lines for high-margin chips, while spending more effectively CAPEX in advanced R&D.
The loss of Apple’s Mac business was a big blow to Intel. A billion-dollar investor in the chipmaker seems to imagine the company could win back Apple’s business, a prospect who is clearly a no-starter now that Apple has demonstrated how far ahead it is. in terms of processor performance and power efficiency. The latest 12-generation Intel chips, which are slated to be made into laptops in the second half of the year, will still be made using a 10nm process.
Photo: Laura Ockel on Unsplash
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