Intel Lands Major Contract With Microsoft for 18A Process; Google, NVIDIA, and Others Set to Adopt the Technology

Alright, so picture this: Intel’s found itself in the middle of this tech drama—kinda feels like they finally hit their “iPhone moment” or whatever with the 18A process. And, believe it or not, it’s caught the eye of some big tech players. Cool, right?

Okay, let’s rewind a bit. Intel’s chip biz has been itching for something huge. I mean, not just for the cash flow, although let’s be real, that’s a factor. They need some limelight, especially since TSMC hogged it after that whole deal with Trump. Everyone started eyeing TSMC’s U.S. plants like they’re the next best thing since sliced bread. Anyway—Intel’s banking big on the 18A node. Heard it from somewhere (maybe it was ChosunBiz or maybe I’m just dreaming), they’re chatting up NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Google too. It’s like speed dating for tech giants.

And then there was this big reveal at the Direct Connect 2025. What a name, huh? They trotted out the 18A, hailed as “the most advanced process manufactured in the US,” no less. The gossip mill suggests it could take a serious swing at TSMC’s N2—like, same density, performance, everything. Blows the older Intel 3 out of the water, apparently. Honestly, it does sound like a bit of a “wonder,” don’t you think?

Why’s everyone so hyped about it? Well, new guy in charge, Lip-Bu Tan—his vision’s got people talking. This dude’s focused on, what was it, semiconductor design automation, packaging, and foundry. Loads of techy words, but the gist? They might steer away from that “IDM 2.0” stuff, whatever that means, and who knows, maybe their CPUs will get more love too.

Oh, and fun tidbit: seems TSMC’s production lines are a bit too crowded. Kind of like trying to get a seat at the hottest brunch spot? Which means, yeah, Intel’s standing out in this crowded tech scene. Samsung’s in the mix too, but they haven’t snagged the top spot yet.

So, that’s what’s going down in Chipville. Grab your popcorn.