Intel secures a major external customer for its 18A production capabilities. Microsoft is turning to the chip specialist for the production of its latest Maia accelerators.
Microsoft is partnering with Intel Foundry for the production of its Maia 3 accelerators. Maia 3 is the latest iteration of the Maia AI chip developed by Microsoft itself. The chips are intended for internal use in Azure data centers, where they will support Microsoft Copilot functionality among other things.
Gelsinger
Intel Foundry is Pat Gelsinger’s brainchild, former CEO of Intel. He was succeeded by Lip-Bu Tan, but left his mark on Intel’s transformation with the establishment of the Foundry business. Through this, Gelsinger opened up Intel’s production capabilities for third-party use. In effect, Intel Foundry is competing with TSMC.
However, there wasn’t a rush of customers. For its Intel 18A (2 nm equivalent), Intel has now convinced a big name with Microsoft. Microsoft had previously suggested interest in the production node, but now according to SemiAccurate, the agreement is final.
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Intel Reveals 18a Plans: Foundation for Core Ultra 3 and Xeon 6+
Intel is on schedule with the rollout of 18A. Both its new laptop chips (Core Ultra 3) and new server chips (Xeon 6+) will roll off this production line. Intel 18A marks a leap in innovation for Intel. For this process, the company is introducing its first new transistor in more than a decade: FinFET is being replaced by RibbonFET.
America Chooses America
With Maia 3 and Microsoft, Intel at least has a major order in the pipeline. This is also good news financially. Since Intel is innovating its production lines for its own use anyway, any Foundry customer is a welcome bonus. Moreover, in this deal, one American company is choosing another. In President Trump’s America, this is also a bonus, especially now that the US government has ‘bought in’ to Intel with a 9.9 percent stake.