Intel is now poised for widespread external adoption of its 14A node, as a new analysis indicates that NVIDIA and AMD are planning to integrate the process into their offerings.
Intel's 14A Process Is The Next Major Option For Fabless Companies Alongside TSMC's A14
Intel Foundry is now positioning itself as a more aggressive option for fabless manufacturers, both in the front-end and back-end semiconductor segments. The IFS is reported to have seen massive interest in advanced packaging technologies, such as EMIB and Foveros. According to an analysis by GF Securities (via Jukan), there's also a significant inclination among customers to adopt Intel's next-generation 14A technology. The report suggests that NVIDIA and AMD could be potential clients, as they look to utilize the node for their next-generation server CPU offerings, although the analysis doesn't specify for which generations.
GF Securities is likely referring to the integration of 14A technology into next-generation server CPUs, such as those within AMD's EPYC or NVIDIA's Grace offerings, which have been heavily reliant on TSMC's processes in the past. The other possibility is for accelerator offerings, as we know that NVIDIA is seeking cutting-edge chip technologies to drive the growth of next-generation HPC architectures, and 14A could play a significant role here as well. However, the actual crux of this report is that external interest is mounting around the 14A process, which is pivotal for Intel Foundry.
Following the news of order win for Apple’s M-series in 2027 on Nov 28, we highlighted in our earlier report the potential order win of non-pro smartphone SoC based on Intel 14A for 2028. Additionally, we continue to expect the likely engagement with Nvidia and AMD's server SKUs, suggesting that its 14A will be a strong node for external sales.
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For those unaware, Intel's 14A technology is focused explicitly on external customers and represents the company's most significant attempt to extend Moore's Law. 14A will feature the inclusion of High-NA, RibbonFET 2, PowerDirect, and Turbo Cells, which are fundamental technologies built upon Intel's work with the 18A node. The 14A will be one of the most advanced chips produced in the US, which is why domestic customers are inclined towards adopting the process, with companies like Apple, NVIDIA, and AMD leading the way.
We do know that it's highly important for Intel to secure external customers with 14A, as Intel has clearly stated in a previous 10-Q filing that it would abandon the Moore's Law race if 14A doesn't receive industry interest. And, given that under CEO Lip-Bu Tan, Intel has been implementing a much more aggressive foundry strategy, it appears that things are turning out in their favour for now.
About the author: Muhammad Zuhair is a hardware and technology reporter for Wccftech, specializing in the semiconductor industry and the complex interplay between technology, manufacturing, and geopolitics. His coverage focuses on the corporate strategies and technological roadmaps of industry giants like TSMC, NVIDIA, Samsung, and Intel. Zuhair's expertise lies in deconstructing complex topics such as fabrication nodes (e.g., 2nm process), the economic impact of policies like the CHIPS Act, and the strategic development of AI infrastructure from NVIDIA, AMD and Intel.
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