Exciting developments are emerging from Intel as reports indicate that the company’s 18A manufacturing process has achieved yield rates surpassing those of its competitors. This progress marks a significant step forward for Intel as it aims for high-volume manufacturing (HVM) by the end of 2025.
Intel’s 18A Yield Rates Set to Enable HVM by Q4 2025; Initial Integration with Panther Lake SoCs
Though there’s a buzz surrounding these yield rates, it’s vital to approach the information cautiously. Detailed numbers regarding Intel’s yield performance remain largely undisclosed. According to KeyBanc Capital Markets, analysts suggest that Intel’s 18A node is advancing rapidly within the development phase, with yield rates reported to exceed those of Samsung’s SF2 process, although still trailing behind TSMC’s N2 technology.
We continue to hear constructive feedback on Intel’s 18A process and hear that current yield rates have improved to 55%, up from 50% a quarter ago. This compares favorably to Samsung’s 2nm process (SF2), which we believe is tracking at ~40%, but is below TSMC’s N2 process, where yields are currently at 65%.
Consistent yield rate improvement is essential for Intel at this juncture, particularly since the 18A node is primarily focused on internal initiatives, such as the Panther Lake architecture. Achieving these targets is crucial for Intel’s strategy. KeyBanc further indicates that Intel is on course to scale up mass production of the 18A node for upcoming mobile CPUs, projecting yield rates could reach 70% by Q4 2025. Although Intel may not eclipse TSMC in yield efficiency, a robust manufacturing node will be pivotal for the company’s future.
Despite prior doubts regarding Intel’s 18A node, the capacity for internal use positions this process as a success. Intel’s strategy involves capturing market share in high-performance segments with the 18A technology before diversifying to external customers with the subsequent 14A node. This strategic shift aims to elevate Intel’s product reputation, allowing for competition against TSMC’s A14 offerings. With anticipation building, the performance of the Panther Lake processors in the consumer market is highly anticipated, fueled by renewed optimism based on prior innovations.
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