Intel is also preparing to outsource orders for 5nm and 3nm CPU processors to TSMC
Earlier, Intel outsources the chips of the 6nm process to TSMC for foundry. However, it is not yet known whether these chips are processor products or graphics card products. Among them, the 6nm process is produced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Limited.
The advantage of Intel outsourcing these chips to TSMC is that it can alleviate Intel’s own production problems. At the same time, due to technical problems, Intel is currently struggling with the 10-nanometer process. Therefore, after outsourcing to TSMC, Intel can also obtain TSMC’s advanced process belt. The advantage that comes is that it can both improve and alleviate productivity problems and improve chip quality. Previously, it was reported that the outsourcing capacity of the 6-nanometer process was 180,000 wafers.
The latest news released by Taiwanese media indicates that Intel may also place orders for 5nm and 3nm process chips to TSMC’s foundry. Such more advanced chips are more expensive than 6nm process chips. It is reported that these chips are mainly CPU processors rather than GPU processors. Intel is currently negotiating with TSMC and formulating a cooperation plan, which means that Intel has also begun to hand over CPU orders to TSMC OEMs to ease capacity problems.
However, in terms of time, these orders will not advance rapidly. They may not be handed over to TSMC foundry in the second half of 2022. In other words, these advanced-process chip products may not be released until the second half of 2022. According to Intel, looking at the current progress, it is estimated that it is impossible to release the 5nm and 3nm process in a short time.
TSMC has a very strong ability in advanced process technology. Intel is now even delaying the release of the 7-nanometer process by half a year from the original plan. This is far behind rival AMD and behind mobile chip manufacturers such as Qualcomm, Samsung, Apple, and other companies. Therefore, it is not a bad thing for Intel after it is handed over to TSMC.
