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Intel's 18A Process Node Reaches Risk Production, Advancing Semiconductor Comeback

The milestone marks a pivotal step in Intel's 'five nodes in four years' strategy, as it prepares for mass production of Panther Lake processors later this year.

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Intel's Jim Johnson said Panther Lake goes into production later this year but the big screen behind him indicated availability in 2026.

Overview

  • Intel's 18A process node has entered risk production, a pre-mass production phase for refining manufacturing processes and validating designs.
  • The 18A node introduces PowerVia backside power delivery and RibbonFET gate-all-around transistors, enhancing performance and transistor density.
  • Panther Lake processors are expected to be the first products utilizing the 18A node, with mass production planned for late 2025.
  • The milestone is critical for Intel Foundry Services, which aims to recover from recent challenges and compete with TSMC's upcoming N2 node.
  • New CEO Lip-Bu Tan is leading Intel through this crucial phase, as the company works to reestablish leadership in semiconductor manufacturing.