Intel’s Bold Comeback? Nvidia & Broadcom Secretly Testing Next-Gen Chips
Nvidia and Broadcom Test Intel’s 18A Chips: A Big Win for Intel?
Nvidia and Broadcom Explore Intel’s 18A Process: What It Means for the Chip Industry
Major Chip Players Test Intel’s Manufacturing Capabilities
Nvidia and Broadcom, two of the biggest names in semiconductor design, are reportedly testing Intel’s advanced 18A manufacturing process, sources told Reuters. This marks a crucial step for Intel as it seeks to establish itself as a key player in the competitive contract chip manufacturing industry.
While these tests don’t guarantee future contracts, they signal that major chip companies are seriously evaluating Intel’s capabilities. A decision to proceed with Intel could result in lucrative manufacturing deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars, providing a much-needed boost to Intel’s foundry business.
Intel’s 18A Process: A Game-Changer?
Intel’s 18A process is designed to manufacture advanced AI processors and other high-performance chips. It competes directly with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) latest technology, which currently dominates the global chip-making industry.
Testing is underway, but it remains unclear when Nvidia and Broadcom started their evaluations or when they might make a decision. Even if Intel passes these tests, securing full-scale production deals is not guaranteed, as past testing efforts have reportedly led to mixed results.
AMD Also Evaluating Intel’s 18A Technology
In addition to Nvidia and Broadcom, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is also considering Intel’s 18A process. However, it is not yet clear if AMD has sent test chips for evaluation. An AMD spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.
Intel, on the other hand, remains optimistic. “We don’t comment on specific customers but continue to see strong interest and engagement on Intel 18A across our ecosystem,” an Intel representative said.
Challenges and Delays in Intel’s Foundry Business
Intel’s push to become a major contract chip manufacturer has faced numerous delays and setbacks. The company initially planned to have its 18A process ready for contract customers by 2026, but recent reports suggest a further six-month delay.
The delay stems from the qualification process for crucial intellectual property (IP) needed to support third-party chip designs. Without this, many potential customers may be unable to manufacture chips on Intel’s 18A platform until mid-2026 or later.
Can Intel Compete With TSMC?
Intel’s ability to compete with TSMC depends on its ability to prove that its 18A process is both reliable and cost-effective. According to Synopsys CEO Sassine Ghazi, Intel’s 18A process currently performs between TSMC’s most advanced technology and its predecessor.
Many chip designers are waiting to see how Intel progresses before making a long-term commitment. If Intel can demonstrate the reliability of its manufacturing process, it could attract major customers and generate significant revenue from its foundry division.
Intel’s High-Stakes Future in U.S. Chip Manufacturing
The U.S. government has been closely watching Intel’s progress, as it sees the company as a key player in restoring domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. President Donald Trump’s administration has reportedly explored options for TSMC and other chipmakers to take a stake in Intel’s foundry business.
Intel has already announced deals with Microsoft and Amazon to manufacture chips using the 18A process. However, details about these agreements remain scarce, and it is unclear how much manufacturing volume these deals will represent.
What’s Next for Intel?
Despite its challenges, Intel remains committed to ramping up production in the second half of 2025. The company expects to begin receiving chip designs from customers later this year.
Industry experts believe that many chip designers are closely monitoring Intel’s progress before committing to large-scale production. The success or failure of these early tests by Nvidia, Broadcom, and AMD could determine Intel’s future in the contract manufacturing business.
If Intel secures major contracts, it could mark a turning point in the company’s ambitious push to compete with TSMC and other global chipmakers. On the other hand, continued delays or failed tests could further erode confidence in Intel’s foundry business.
