Intel taps NVIDIA, Microsoft and Google for 18A
According to fresh data from the Korean publication ChosunBiz, Intel's 18A process technology has become the subject of serious interest from tech giants, including NVIDIA, Microsoft and Google. According to experts, this could be a turning point for Intel's all-foundry strategy and a long-awaited breakthrough against the backdrop of TSMC's dominance.
18A is positioned as the most advanced process technology produced in the USA., and is expected to become a competitor to TSMC N2 in the future. At the Direct Connect 2025 event, Intel called 18A “a major milestone in the American semiconductor industry,” emphasizing that the node is comparable in SRAM density and power efficiency to the 2nm processes from its Taiwanese competitor. Compared to Intel 3, the new node promises significant growth in all key metrics.
Interest in 18A has increased following Intel's management change and the arrival of new CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who previously headed Cadence. Under his leadership, the company is focusing on EDA automation, packaging, and foundry. According to rumors, even the IDM 2.0 strategy may be revised in favor of a more flexible approach to contract manufacturing.
The supply chain also plays into Intel's hands — TSMC's production lines are overloaded, forcing customers to look for alternatives. Against this backdrop, 18A is becoming an attractive solution not only for American corporations, but also for global players, especially given geopolitical risks and the US desire to strengthen domestic chip production.
While competition from Samsung Foundry remains, it is Intel that now looks the most capable offer a full-fledged alternative to TSMC in the 2nm categoryIf interest from NVIDIA and other companies materializes into actual contracts, it could dramatically change the balance of power in the semiconductor market.
