HardwareRemember Intel’s ex-CEO saying he’d ‘bet the whole company’ on 18A? A South Korean outlet says the yields are just 10%, although Intel says otherwiseWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
HardwareRemember Intel’s ex-CEO saying he’d ‘bet the whole company’ on 18A? A South Korean outlet says the yields are just 10%, although Intel says otherwiseWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Intel)
Another day, another “bad news for Intel” story. In a year of dismal financial results, disappointing desktop chips, internal turmoil and…you know the rest.However, if the latest rumours are to be believed, things might be even worse than previously thought when it comes to its foundry business.
After the resignation of its CEO, Pat Gelsinger,earlier this week, a report from South Korean outletChosun Dailysay that Intel’s 18A process is producing yields of just 10% (viaTrendForce). Gelsinger had previously stated that he’d"bet the whole company on 18A", and that seems like a gamble that may have catastrophically backfired if this latest figure turns out to be true.
However, Intel has previously stated in September that"18A is powered on, healthy, and yielding well", which has led some to speculate that the reported low yield rates are inaccurate.
To give you some context right from the off, yields are measured as a percentage of the total number of chips able to be produced from a silicon wafer.
TSMC’s N3E process yield is rumoured to averagearound 84%, occasionally getting close to 90%, while Samsung’s 3nm process wasreported to be below 20%, which was considered to be too low for mass production purposes.
That would throw some doubt on the suspiciously low yield percentages given here. Chosun Daily doesn’t cite its sources in regards to the 10% figure, so a pinch of salt is very likely required.
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In reaction to Reuters' report, industry analyst Ben Bajarintweetedthat Gelsinger’s previous statements indicated a 60% yield range, which would be a much more suitable figure for mass production potential.
Gelsinger indicated Intel’s own chips had a below 0.4D0 as defect density on 18A which is in the 60% yield range. Broadcom’s ability to port their libraries is likely the main issue here not necessarily 18A. Which is ironic since back in the day Broadcom prided iteself on its… https://t.co/Q2lFP82qYUSeptember 4, 2024
Gelsinger indicated Intel’s own chips had a below 0.4D0 as defect density on 18A which is in the 60% yield range. Broadcom’s ability to port their libraries is likely the main issue here not necessarily 18A. Which is ironic since back in the day Broadcom prided iteself on its… https://t.co/Q2lFP82qYUSeptember 4, 2024
Still, Intel’s foundry business has been an ongoing problem for the company, with the 20A process beingdropped entirelyin order to focus on an 18A-based future. With next-generation Nova Lake and Panther Lake processors expected to be builtprimarily on 18A, a catastrophic yield rate would put Intel even more on the back foot than it currently appears.
And if these rumours are to be believed? 18A may be contributing significantly to that bumpy ride. Chip making, ey? It’s a complicated affair, even when it comes to sorting through the scuttlebutt.
Best CPU for gaming: Top chips from Intel and AMD.Best gaming motherboard: The right boards.Best graphics card: Your perfect pixel-pusher awaits.Best SSD for gaming: Get into the game first.
Best CPU for gaming: Top chips from Intel and AMD.Best gaming motherboard: The right boards.Best graphics card: Your perfect pixel-pusher awaits.Best SSD for gaming: Get into the game first.
Best CPU for gaming: Top chips from Intel and AMD.Best gaming motherboard: The right boards.Best graphics card: Your perfect pixel-pusher awaits.Best SSD for gaming: Get into the game first.
Best CPU for gaming: Top chips from Intel and AMD.Best gaming motherboard: The right boards.Best graphics card: Your perfect pixel-pusher awaits.Best SSD for gaming: Get into the game first.
Best CPU for gaming: Top chips from Intel and AMD.Best gaming motherboard: The right boards.Best graphics card: Your perfect pixel-pusher awaits.Best SSD for gaming: Get into the game first.
Best CPU for gaming: Top chips from Intel and AMD.Best gaming motherboard: The right boards.Best graphics card: Your perfect pixel-pusher awaits.Best SSD for gaming: Get into the game first.
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