Intel's 18A process for Panther Lake chips is experiencing uncertainty over yields, which could impact production readiness and have significant repercussions across the supply chain. The new technology features gate-all-around transistors and backside power delivery, but currently, only a small percentage of chips meet quality standards. Despite Intel's investment in 18A technology and factory upgrades, yield issues threaten its plans to compete with TSMC in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Without improved yields before the planned rollout, Intel risks lowering its profit margins or incurring losses on chip sales.
Intel's upcoming 18A process for Panther Lake chips faces significant yield uncertainties, raising concerns about production readiness, timelines, and cost inflation in the enterprise laptop segment.
The technology combines gate-all-around transistors with backside power delivery, aiming to enhance chip speed and efficiency, but current yields significantly lag quality standards.
Without a substantial increase in yields, Intel may have to sell chips at lower margins or face losses before the fourth-quarter 2025 rollout.
Despite yield challenges, Intel remains optimistic about Panther Lake, emphasizing its confidence in launch plans and the future foundation of multiple generations with the 18A process.
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