Intel’s 20A/18A CPUs Delayed: Core Ultra 3, Arrow & Lunar Lake on TSMC’s 3nm?

Intel’s 20A/18A CPUs Delayed: Core Ultra 3, Arrow & Lunar Lake on TSMC’s 3nm?

Intel’s plans for their next-generation processors have hit a roadblock as the release of their 20A/18A CPUs faces delays. After the successful launch of the Core Ultra “Meteor Lake” processors based on Intel’s 4 node, the company’s IDM 2.0 initiative seems to have slowed down. However, there are some interesting developments on the horizon.

Contrary to earlier claims, it has been confirmed by multiple sources that both the Arrow Lake and Lunar Lake processors will be based on TSMC’s 3nm (N3B) process. This includes the compute tile, which is a significant departure from Intel’s previous strategy. The 15th Gen Arrow Lake family, also known as Core Ultra 2, will feature a CPU tile manufactured on TSMC’s 3nm process. Only a few lower-end desktop parts of the Arrow Lake family will utilize Intel’s 20A (2nm) node.

It is worth noting that neither the Arrow Lake-P notebook nor the Arrow Lake-S flagship processors will feature the 20A node. Instead, they will rely on TSMC’s N3B process for their CPU tile supply. The same goes for Lunar Lake, which will also have a compute tile manufactured on TSMC’s “N3B” 3nm node and an iGPU tile fabricated on N4/N3. Both Arrow and Lunar Lake processors will feature the “Lion Cove” P-Cores and “Skymont” E-Cores. The latter will have an iGPU that sets it apart from the former, thanks to the Xe2 “Battlemage” architecture. Additionally, these chips will boast a “3x faster NPU,” although NPUs are not currently relevant.

Arrow Lake will adopt the Xe-LPG architecture, similar to Meteor Lake, with some minor adjustments for mobile devices. Intel’s first client lineup to utilize the 18A process will be Panther Lake, set to launch exclusively for notebooks by the end of 2025. Similar to Meteor Lake, it will be a limited-volume release targeting the higher-end market segments. In the server segment, Clearwater Forest is expected to be the first product featuring the 18A process, also launching around the same time.

While these delays may disappoint some eager consumers, it is crucial to remember that Intel is striving to deliver technology. The decision to collaborate with TSMC for their CPU tiles indicates Intel’s willingness to explore new avenues and leverage the expertise of other industry leaders. As we await the arrival of Intel’s 20A/18A CPUs, it is clear that the company is determined to push boundaries and deliver innovative solutions to meet the demands of the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Source: Igor’s Lab

Background Information

---

About Intel:

Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

  

Latest Articles about Intel

---

About TSMC:

TSMC, or Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, is a semiconductor foundry based in Taiwan. Established in 1987, TSMC is a important player in the global semiconductor industry, specializing in the manufacturing of semiconductor wafers for a wide range of clients, including technology companies and chip designers. The company is known for its semiconductor fabrication processes and plays a critical role in advancing semiconductor technology worldwide.

  

Latest Articles about TSMC

Technology Explained

---

CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.

Latest Articles about CPU

---

E-Cores: E-Cores (Efficiency Cores) are a type of technology used in the computer industry to provide a more efficient and reliable way of powering and cooling computer components. They are made up of a combination of copper and aluminum, and are designed to be more efficient than traditional copper cores. E-Cores are used in a variety of applications, such as in CPUs, GPUs, and other computer components. They are also used in servers, laptops, and other electronic devices. The technology is designed to reduce heat and power consumption, while also providing a more reliable and efficient way of powering and cooling computer components.

Latest Articles about E-Cores

---

IDM 2.0: Intel IDM 2.0 is Intel's integrated device manufacturing (IDM) strategy introduced at 2021. It is a major evolution of the company's traditional IDM model, which has been in place since its founding in 1968. Under the IDM 2.0 strategy, Intel will continue to design and manufacture its own chips, but it will also become a major provider of foundry services to other companies. This will allow Intel to tap into the growing demand for semiconductor manufacturing capacity, while also generating new revenue streams.

Latest Articles about IDM 2.0

---

iGPU: An integrated Graphics Processing Unit (iGPU) is a component built into a computer's central processing unit (CPU) or system-on-chip (SoC) that handles graphical tasks. Unlike dedicated graphics cards, which are separate components, an iGPU shares system resources with the CPU, allowing for basic graphics capabilities without the need for an additional card. While typically less powerful than dedicated GPUs, iGPUs are energy-efficient and well-suited for everyday computing tasks

Latest Articles about iGPU

---

NPU: NPU, or Neural Processing Unit, is a type of specialized processor that is designed to handle complex artificial intelligence tasks. It is inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, with the ability to process and analyze large amounts of data simultaneously. In the computer industry, NPU technology is being used in various applications such as speech recognition, image and video processing, and natural language processing. This allows computers to perform tasks that were previously only possible for humans, making them more efficient and intelligent. NPU technology is also being integrated into smartphones, self-driving cars, and other devices, making them smarter and more responsive to user needs. With the increasing demand for AI-driven technology, the use of NPU is expected to grow and revolutionize the way we interact with computers in the future.

Latest Articles about NPU

---

P-Cores: P-Cores (Performance Cores) are a type of processor technology developed by Intel that is designed to improve the performance of computer systems. This technology is based on the concept of multi-core processors, which are processors that contain multiple cores or processing units. P-Cores are designed to increase the speed and efficiency of computer systems by allowing multiple cores to work together in parallel. This technology is used in a variety of applications, including gaming, video editing, and data analysis. P-Cores are also used in servers and other high-performance computing systems. The technology is also used in mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to improve battery life and performance. P-Cores are an important part of the computer industry, as they allow for faster and more efficient computing.

Latest Articles about P-Cores