Intel Lands Key Contract with Microsoft for 18A Process; Google, NVIDIA, and Others to Follow

Alright, let’s dive into this. I’m just sitting here, thinking about Intel’s “iPhone moment” with this shiny new 18A process. So, tech giants are all over it. I mean, imagine being all excited over a tiny chip, right? But hey, everyone’s talking.

### Intel’s 18A — A Game-Changer? Maybe.

So, Intel’s been itching for a breakthrough like, forever. It’s not just about the cash, though that’s pretty important. They’re trying to steal some limelight from TSMC. Fun fact, TSMC hit it big with Trump — yeah, actual POTUS business — so they’re seen as the cool kid now. Intel, on the other hand, is waving around this 18A node like, “Hey, notice me!” They’re chatting up NVIDIA, Microsoft, Google. Everyone’s looking for options outside TSMC’s wheelhouse.

Now, I gotta say, at an event called Direct Connect 2025 — very sci-fi, isn’t it? — Intel hyped this 18A up as the “most advanced thing made in the US.” They’re saying it rivals TSMC’s N2 with some geeky details about density and efficiency. It’s a wonder, maybe? Clients are digging it, apparently.

Anyway, something about new CEO vibes — Lip-Bu Tan’s the name. Folks say he’s shaking things up, moving past this “IDM 2.0” thing—whatever that was. Sounds like he’s into making chips smarter and maybe even shinier, which is cool, I guess. The old leadership style? Out the window. And it’s a good thing too, if you ask me.

Oh, and TSMC’s too crowded. Imagine a packed subway, but with chips. Companies are roaming around, scouting for new digs. Intel’s like, “Sure, come hang out with us at our 18A playground.” Samsung’s also trying to join the party, but they’re not really catching up yet.

I wonder, though — what’s next? Are we gonna see a cpu revolution or just more of the same? Guess we’ll find out.