Intel 14A: 15% Performance Boost Per Watt!

At the IFS Direct Connect event held on the 21st of last month, Intel unveiled its post-Intel 18A process strategy, presenting a new technological roadmap that includes the introduction of the Intel 14A process technology and several specialized node evolutionary versions. In a departure from its initial strategy, Intel now plans to integrate High-NA EUV lithography technology in the Intel 14A, rather than in the Intel 18A process.

According to a report by SeDaily, Anne Kelleher, Intel’s Senior Vice President, disclosed at the SPIE 2024 Optics and Photonics conference that the Intel 14A process offers a 15% improvement in performance per watt over the Intel 18A process, with the enhanced Intel 14A-E variant expected to provide an additional 5% improvement. Compared to the Intel 18A process, the Intel 14A process achieves a 20% increase in transistor logic density.

Under Intel’s revised timetable, the Intel 14A process is anticipated to debut by 2026, with the Intel 14A-E variant following in 2027. However, to date, Intel has not announced any products based on the Intel 14A and Intel 14A-E processes. Although Intel considers TSMC a competitor in the foundry sector, an increasing number of modules in its client processors are being manufactured by TSMC, potentially including the core computing modules.

During an investor webinar on foundry business models in June of last year, Intel discussed the transformation of its internal foundry business model. Starting from the first quarter of 2024, it will separate its design and manufacturing operations, establishing a “client-supplier” relationship between its internal design departments and manufacturing divisions, the latter of which will operate independently with separate financial reporting. Intel aims to surpass Samsung and become the second-largest player in the foundry industry by 2030.