NVIDIA paused testing of Intel’s 18A manufacturing process. This move signals a potential setback for Intel’s ambitions to become a major chip foundry for competitors.
Sources confirm the 18A node evaluation has not progressed to mass production plans. Broadcom previously reported the process was not viable for high-volume production, citing performance and yield targets that fell short of expectations.
The halt reinforces questions regarding Intel’s ability to compete with industry leader Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) in advanced chip manufacturing. Intel maintains that its 18A production technologies are performing well and generating strong interest.
For NVIDIA, the decision indicates a continued reliance on current manufacturing partners. The company prioritizes performance and reliability for its next-generation GPUs, adopting a cautious approach to new foundry services.