Intel Lands Major Contract With Microsoft for 18A Process; Google, NVIDIA, and Others Set to Follow

Okay, so here’s the thing. Intel, you know, they might have hit the jackpot or something with this new 18A process. It’s like they stumbled onto their own version of the “iPhone moment”… if that means anything. Reports are buzzing that big tech names are all over it.

## Intel’s Big Leap with the 18A Process—Tech Titans All Ears

Alright, so Intel’s foundry scene has been kinda desperate, like, really needing this HUGE hit—not just for cash, right? They want to shove TSMC aside and snag the limelight, especially back home. Seriously, since Trump’s deal with TSMC, everyone’s been eyeing TSMC’s American setups instead of their spots in Taiwan. Anyway, Intel’s answer to this whole mess? The 18A node. And, apparently, gossip from Korea says they’re chatting up NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Google. Maybe this could give TSMC’s N2 process a run for its money. Who knows.

They actually showcased 18A at Direct Connect 2025—sounds super official, right? Intel’s bragging it’s “the most advanced process” made in the US. Whatever that means. Apparently, it rivals TSMC’s N2. Numbers are thrown around about SRAM density and all—don’t ask me what that is, but they make it sound awesome. Everyone’s like, “Wow, Intel really made magic here,” and that buzz seems real.

Oh, and check out this pic—big deal?

Now, there’s talk that a lot of this excitement is due to Intel’s shuffling at the top. Lip-Bu Tan now calls the shots as CEO. The guy’s all about EDA, packaging, and that fancy foundry stuff. Word is, he’s kicking “IDM 2.0” to the curb, or something like that. Maybe this will put Intel’s CPUs back in the spotlight too.

Also, TSMC’s gotten too popular for its own good. Their production lines are crammed, so folks are looking elsewhere. Right now, Intel seems ready for this showdown with TSMC’s 2nm node. Samsung Foundry? Yeah, they’re trying, but haven’t quite made the cut. Yet. Anyway, that’s the latest dish.