Intel asks TSMC for help ending its reliance on...TSMC

"Intel's claim to fame is that, unlike most of its competition, it designs and manufactures chips. Or at least it used to be that way. Over the past few years Intel has outsourced production of some CPUs, GPUs, and networking kit to TSMC. Chipzilla continues to make its own Xeon family of datacenter processors. As it sent more work to TSMC, Intel also tried to create a foundry biz to compete with the Taiwanese company."

"Intel has developed and deployed a new manufacturing process, called 18A, that it will use to make some products it currently outsources to TSMC. The Panther Lake client chips Intel plans to deliver this year, and Clearwater Forest E-core Xeons due in 2026, will both use 18A. But Intel won't be entirely done with TSMC for a while. We already know the company's next-gen Nova Lake processors will use both internal and external foundry services."

"We also know that any of the notebook SoCs developed under a co-design initiative between Intel and Nvidia will have some TSMC silicon on board. But Intel isn't just trying to curb its reliance on TSMC, it's actively trying to convince other chipmakers they will be better off using its forthcoming 14A process tech instead of asking the Taiwanese company to manufacture their chips."

Intel reportedly sought investment from rival TSMC while continuing to outsource some chip production to the Taiwanese foundry. Intel historically both designs and manufactures chips but has moved some CPUs, GPUs and networking kit to TSMC. Intel launched its own foundry effort which has been costly and has so far struggled to attract major customers. Intel developed an 18A manufacturing process for products including Panther Lake client chips and Clearwater Forest E-core Xeons, while planned Nova Lake processors will use both internal and external foundries. Intel is promoting a forthcoming 14A process to other chipmakers to reduce reliance on TSMC, while TSMC may still consider investing to preserve competition.

Read at Theregister