Some of Intel’s future Core processors will reportedly be manufactured on TSMC’s 3-nanometer process. The news stems from sources with DigiTimes, who claim that Intel has already signed a contract with the world’s top semiconductor manufacturing company. Intel is also expected to become TSMC’s second largest customer behind Apple.
“Sources from the semiconductor industry claim that Intel and TSMC have already concluded negotiations on an outsourcing agreement,” a translation of the article shared by RetiredEngineer reads. “Unlike in the past where non-core products were outsourced to TSMC, the scale of these new orders are larger than expected, and will use TSMC’s 3nm process slated to enter mass production in the second half of 2022.”
“Intel’s technology manufacturing team has already visited Southern Taiwan Science Park several times in the past 2 years to understand the progress. Barring the unforeseen, Intel will adopt a dual-track manufacturing strategy. High volume production for new, core products will be handled by TSMC with Intel will also simultaneously produce them internally, but at a smaller proportion.”
The report seems to contradict comments made by Intel’s incoming CEO, Pat Gelsinger, who suggested that the company would continue relying on its in-house technology for Core processors. “I am confident that the majority of our 2023 products will be manufactured internally,” he said.
Translation: pic.twitter.com/GfFNI1xLot
— RetiredEngineer® (@chiakokhua) January 28, 2021