Intel Clinches Major Contract With Microsoft for 18A Process; Google, NVIDIA & More Set to Follow

Man, it’s like Intel just stumbled upon their holy grail or something, right? The word on the street is that Intel Foundry’s 18A process might be their big win. You know, the kind that tech gurus drool over. It’s getting all sorts of buzz from the big shots.

So, Intel’s been itching for a win. Financial struggles? Yeah, sure, but it’s really about stealing the spotlight from TSMC—especially in the good old US of A. TSMC kinda hogged all the attention after cozying up with Trump, opening shop in the US, and whatnot. Smart move, I’d say. Anyway, Intel’s throwing their 18A node into the ring, trying to lure in NVIDIA, Microsoft, Google—big dogs, you know? Maybe it’s their secret sauce against TSMC’s N2 gig.

They showed the 18A off at this Direct Connect 2025 thing, and guess what? They’re calling it the “most advanced process manufactured in the US.” I mean, that’s a bold claim. But hey, rumors have it the 18A squares up pretty nicely with the N2, packing similar SRAM density and all those tech specs that make some folks geek out. Apparently, it’s a generational leap from their Intel 3 node. Who knew Team Blue had a trick like this up their sleeve?

Also, there’s this buzz about Intel’s new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan. I think he’s shaking things up, focusing on semiconductor design automation or whatever they call it. And maybe kicking the old “IDM 2.0” idea to the curb. Guess, we’ll see if Intel starts making waves with their consumer gadgets too, especially the CPUs.

Word is, part of the reason everyone’s side-eyeing 18A is TSMC’s current full house—too many customers already. So yeah, Intel’s looking pretty fit as a contender against TSMC’s 2nm deal. Samsung’s in the match too, but they’ve got some catching up to do.

Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, seems like Intel’s onto something. It’s like watching the tech world’s version of a soap opera. Who knows what’s next?