Intel is making strides with its 18A process technology, showcasing its readiness for system on chips (SoCs) that do not utilize the x86 architecture. This development is indicative of Intel’s strategy to gain broader market acceptance and appeal to a wider range of customers.
Intel Unveils Non-x86 SoC Featuring 18A Process: A Gateway to New Market Opportunities
Team Blue has confirmed that its 18A process is poised for industry-wide adoption, with plans to first validate this node with its Panther Lake processors. The outcome of these tests will pave the way for potential customer engagements. In a significant demonstration, Intel Foundry introduced a non-x86 chip that effectively operates on the 18A process. While the specific intellectual property technology utilized remains undisclosed, the demonstration underscores Intel’s ambition to position itself as a world-class contract manufacturer.
The live demo showcased a reference SoC tackling various workloads, including 3D gaming, animation, and 4K video streaming. This chip was equipped with a configuration of seven CPU cores across performance, optimized, and efficiency classes, supplemented by PCIe and controller IP from third-party providers. The demonstration also highlighted the chip’s adaptability within the ARM and RISC-V ecosystems, with particular emphasis on ARM’s relevance as it gains traction alongside platforms from Apple and Qualcomm.
Although the 18A process was initially considered an internal solution, this demo signals Intel’s intent to extend its reach into other ecosystems. Furthermore, the demonstration illustrated the process’s capability to manage a variety of real-world workloads efficiently. Intel has also optimized its suite of developer tools, such as VTune Profiler, to support non-x86 SoCs, thereby enhancing CPU utilization in these applications.
Crucially, the success of the 18A node hinges on its adoption by major fabless semiconductor companies. With its applicability extending to non-x86 chips, there exists a promising opportunity for pairing this process with Apple’s M-series, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon, and even NVIDIA’s Grace CPU line-up. This advancement is particularly noteworthy as it positions the 18A process to compete directly with TSMC’s N2 technology—not just within the x86 domain but also across a much wider market.
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