Intel is simultaneously using its own 18A and TSMC N2 processes to address the delivery and production capacity issues of 18A. On July 14th, it was reported that Intel had completed the Nova Lake processor computing module chip fabrication at TSMC's 2nm process node N2 a few weeks ago, and the next step will be to power it up and run it. If everything goes smoothly, it can lay the foundation for mass production in 2026. Due to the urgent demand for advanced processes in CPU cores, a 2nm process can bring about a 15% performance improvement and a 30% power optimization. Therefore, this chip fabrication is likely to be its computing module, which can fundamentally improve the overall performance of the processor.
Intel plans to continue its dual source foundry strategy and place over $14 billion in 2nm orders with TSMC, covering production capacity from 2024-2025. Computing modules may use both its own 18A and TSMC N2 processes to address issues with 18A delivery or production capacity. The compatibility of 18A-P/14A with the time plan is of concern, and there is uncertainty as to whether it will be ready for mass production before the 2025 production milestone. TSMC N2 plans to start production in the middle and later stages of 2025, but the timeline is tight. Nova Lake-S is expected to be delivered in the second half of 2026, with a high probability of release in the third quarter of 2026. It integrates up to 52 cores, paired with an 8800MT/s memory controller and related graphics and media processing modules, making it difficult to manufacture. At present, the chip is undergoing power on testing, and further mass production and shipment will take time. Its market performance needs to be tested.
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