Intel outsources TSMC to make 3nm chips in 2022

TSMC is expected to start trial production of 3-nanometer products in the second half of this year. Mass production is expected next year. Major manufacturers are currently snapping up TSMC’s production capacity.

The largest 3nm process production capacity is still given to Apple. After all, Apple is a major customer of TSMC, so the advanced process and production capacity are normally given priority to Apple.

Of course, it is not only Apple who also wants to obtain advanced process capacity. According to supply chain sources, Nvidia and Qualcomm are seeking TSMC to provide capacity.

Previously, the media had also reported that TSMC was preparing multiple rounds of production capacity for the 3nm process, of which the first round of production capacity was mainly given to Apple, and then to other predetermined manufacturers.

These manufacturers include Qualcomm, Xilinx, Nvidia, and AMD, and now Intel is also preparing to snap up production capacity to prepare for its advanced products. Until now, Intel’s main products are still 14nm and some new products will be manufactured through a 10nm process.

The company said it expects to release products based on the 7nm process in 2023, but the semiconductor industry is expected to have entered the 3nm advanced process by 2023.

So if Intel outsources its own products to TSMC’s foundry, it is actually a good choice. After all, it only needs to design without worrying about process issues. The latest news from the supply chain is that Intel has determined to outsource advanced products to TSMC’s foundry.

Via: DigiTimes