Intel placed an 8nm manufacturing order with Samsung Electronics' foundry division for its Platform Controller Hub chips. Volume production is anticipated in 2026.
This move shifts production away from Intel's internal 14nm process. The decision signals confidence in the yield stability and cost-effectiveness of Samsung's 8nm node. Analysts view the outsourcing as significant given Intel's dominance in the PC CPU market.
This development occurs while Intel faces heightened scrutiny over its efforts to regain process technology leadership. TSMC recently filed a lawsuit following Intel's hiring of a former senior TSMC executive.
TSMC alleges the hiring risks its sub-2nm trade secrets. The combination of outsourcing to Samsung and aggressively hiring from TSMC underscores Intel's multi-faceted strategy to advance its manufacturing capabilities.