Intel on Arm: Seeing Beyond Threats, Eyeing Opportunities

As previously reported, both NVIDIA and AMD have chosen to collaborate with Microsoft, aiming to provide designs based on the Arm architecture that supports the Windows operating system. This endeavor seeks to effectively compete with the Arm architecture SoCs utilized in Apple’s Mac products, with plans to unveil Arm processors for client PCs by 2025. NVIDIA has opted to partner with MediaTek and will employ TSMC’s CoWoS packaging in its inaugural product, ultimately aspiring to penetrate the high-end laptop market.

Image: Intel

According to SeekingAlpha, Intel’s CEO, Pat Gelsinger, mentioned during the third-quarter earnings call of 2023 that the impact of Arm and Windows client alternative products on the PC business was negligible. However, Intel, taking a lesson from history, will regard all competition with the utmost seriousness. Armed with a robust product roadmap, Intel is ideally positioned in the client PC market, ensuring a competitive edge.

Gelsinger believes that when discussing alternative architectures like Arm, the larger picture reveals promising opportunities for Intel’s Foundry Services (IFS). Thus, Intel’s participation in the Arm ecosystem or any niche market might act as a catalyst for its foundry products. The Arm ecosystem holds significant importance for Intel’s 18A process and its packaging technologies.

Furthermore, Gelsinger disclosed that products utilizing Intel’s 7nm process – Alder Lake, Raptor Lake, and Sapphire Rapids – have cumulatively sold nearly 150 million units in the market. Emerald Rapids, crafted using the same process, has been launched with shipments slated to commence within the month.