Intel powers on 18A Panther Lake and Clearwater Forest CPUs and preps for 2025 production
Intel reveals major progress with its leading-edge 18A lithography tech – Powers on next-gen Panther Lake CPUs
Could 2025 be a turning point for Intel? It could be! Intel has confirmed that they have powered on their first next-generation 18A processors, powering them on and booting them into OS’. These next-generation CPUs are Panther Lake (Client AI CPU) and Clearwater Forest (server CPU), both of which will enter mass production in 2025.
Intel’s 18A lithography node is a leading edge lithography technology that may return the company to a leadership position within the lithography market. This new node features Intel’s RibbonFET and PowerVIA technologies. Both of these changes should enable boosted power efficiency for future processors. Alongside Intel products, this node will also be available to Intel’s Foundry partners. Furthermore, Intel has confirmed that an external customer will be releasing 18A products next year.
Intel today announced that its lead products on Intel 18A, Panther Lake (AI PC client processor) and Clearwater Forest (server processor), are out of the fab and have powered-on and booted operating systems. These milestones were achieved less than two quarters after tape-out, with both products on track to start production in 2025. The company also announced that the first external customer is expected to tape out on Intel 18A in the first half of next year.
With this announcement, Intel has confirmed that their IDM 2.0 strategy is bearing fruit. Intel has a new leading edge lithography node that they will be deploying next year. Note that this node will be used to power both Intel and non-Intel products.
If 18A is indeed a “leadership” lithography node, they will be able to benefit from the heightened density and efficiency characteristics of their technology to deliver highly competitive products. Additionally, Intel will be able to generate additional income through external foundry customers.
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