Intel Lands Major Contract With Microsoft for 18A Process; Google, NVIDIA, and More Expected to Follow

Okay, so imagine this: Intel’s got this wild tech thing going on, right? They’re calling it the “18A process,” and honestly, it sounds like they think they’ve just reinvented the wheel or something. You’d think they found the secret sauce to instant ramen that cooks itself. Apparently, it’s drawing attention from big shots in the tech world — think NVIDIA, Microsoft, Google. Yeah, them.

Now, here’s the kicker. Intel’s not just doing this for giggles. They seriously want to swipe the spotlight from TSMC. See, TSMC’s been hogging all the glory, especially after getting pally with Trump and setting up shop in the US. People started seeing TSMC’s facilities stateside as a neat little sidekick to Taiwan’s. Intel’s counterpunch? This 18A thingy, which insiders say could go toe to toe with TSMC’s N2 process. Imagine them both in a boxing ring, right?

Anyway — or wait, where was I? Oh yeah, Intel had this Direct Connect 2025 shindig where they paraded the 18A like it’s the next best thing since sliced bread. They bragged it’s the “most advanced process manufactured in the US.” Bold, huh? And they’re not shy to chirp about its SRAM density. Whatever that really means, you know?

An interesting twist here, the new guy in charge, Lip-Bu Tan, is switching things up. Under his watch, Intel’s diving into semiconductor design automation — sounds fancy, right? — plus packaging and foundry stuff. He might chuck the “IDM 2.0” strategy in the bin. What’s IDM 2.0? No clue, but maybe they weren’t feeling it.

Funny thing, TSMC’s got their hands full, production-wise. Sorta like trying to squeeze the last bit of toothpaste out. That’s left other tech firms eyeing Intel’s new deal as a juicy alternative. Samsung’s in the race too but hasn’t quite caught up yet. So, Intel’s sitting pretty for now, hoping to edge in on TSMC’s 2nm territory.

Anyway, it’s all techno-jargon and corporate chess, isn’t it? Makes you wonder what’s next on the tech menu.