Seems Intel are not having the best of times with their CPU tech lately. Not only have they been through waves of security issues, they're continuing to struggle to move to smaller processing nodes.
In the latest earnings call showing off their second-quarter 2020 financial results, we got an interesting little peek behind the curtain at their plans for future CPUs. What we know is that Intel are continuing to lag behind and it's not getting any better for quite some time.
Here's what they said about it in the press release:
Intel is accelerating its transition to 10nm products this year with increasing volumes and strong demand for an expanding line up. This includes a growing portfolio of 10nm-based Intel Core processors with “Tiger Lake” launching soon, and the first 10nm-based server CPU “Ice Lake,” which remains planned for the end of this year.
In the second half of 2021, Intel expects to deliver a new line of client CPU’s (code-named “Alder Lake”), which will include its first 10nm-based desktop CPU, and a new 10nm-based server CPU (code-named “Sapphire Rapids”).
The company's 7nm-based CPU product timing is shifting approximately six months relative to prior expectations. The primary driver is the yield of Intel's 7nm process, which based on recent data, is now trending approximately twelve months behind the company's internal target.
This is all while AMD are still planning to have Zen 3 available this year and Zen 4 CPUs before 2022. It's good to see competition once again in the CPU market. However, it's not good if Intel continually get further behind like this, otherwise we eventually end up in a reverse situation of what we had before with Intel and AMD. Ideally, when Intel sort their yields out, they can come back stronger again which will then keep competition healthy because that's what benefits us consumers the most.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
QuoteHowever, it's not good if Intel continually get further behind like this, otherwise we eventually end up in a reverse situation of what we had before with Intel and AMD. Ideally, when Intel sort their yields out, they can come back stronger again which will then keep competition healthy because that's what benefits us consumers the most.
Intel won't fail completely: if they can't sort out their own yields they can get TSMC to make their chips. It's a step down from when Intel led on process, but it's still an option. I expect that after their big stumble with 10 nm they'll get back on track over the course of the 7 nm node, though.
Last edited by Solarwing on 24 July 2020 at 9:52 am UTC
Quoting: CatKillerIntel won't fail completely: if they can't sort out their own yields they can get TSMC to make their chips.
That won't happen in a million years.
Also TSMC as a foundry doesn't have the capacity to satisfy the market's needs for mobile+server+desktop for Apple+AMD+Nvidia+Intel combined anyway.
And Intel sits on a mountain of cash so high they won't have any problem anytime soon. They may have some problems on the DIY desktop market, but it's not really a priority for them. Mobile, OEM desktop and server are fine for now and demand is high.
In other news Nvidia is considering buying ARM. That would be... interesting.
AMD would be stupid if they didn't take advantage of this situation. They should be seeing double digit growth in market share.
Quoting: barottoQuoting: CatKillerIntel won't fail completely: if they can't sort out their own yields they can get TSMC to make their chips.
That won't happen in a million years.
Also TSMC as a foundry doesn't have the capacity to satisfy the market's needs for mobile+server+desktop for Apple+AMD+Nvidia+Intel combined anyway.
Never say never. AMD got out of fabbing because it was expensive and they couldn't keep up. It appears Intel have hit a road block and are unable to hire the right people to solve their issues, they could do with nabbing a few guys from TSMC.
I read that TSMC are also looking to expand existing fabs and build a 5nm facility in Arizona. So who knows, in 5 years time they might be the only player in town.
Quoting: PikoloAMD needs a year of leadership to improve their own financial situation. Right now Intel's cash reserves are similar to AMD's yearly profits. And it looks like they will get at least a year, more if they can get APUs to be chiplet based and USB4 support in their motherboards.
But ironically, AMD leadership happens on what will be one of the biggest recessions in the world history. That's unlucky.
My only hope for Intel is DG1. And my wish for AMD is that they also get on par to Intel with the quality of FOSS they deliver to Linux.
Quoting: barottoThat won't happen in a million years.
Also TSMC as a foundry doesn't have the capacity to satisfy the market's needs for mobile+server+desktop for Apple+AMD+Nvidia+Intel combined anyway.
TSMC are building new foundries. So they'll satisfy it.
https://techcrunch.com/2020/05/14/tsmc-to-build-a-12-billion-advanced-semiconductor-plant-in-arizona-with-u-s-government-support/
Last edited by Shmerl on 24 July 2020 at 2:30 pm UTC
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