Intel is accelerating its transition to 10nm products this year with increasing volumes and strong demand for an expanding line. This includes a growing portfolio of 10nm Intel Core processors with the launch of “Tiger Lake” soon, and the first “Ice Lake” 10nm-based server CPU, which is still planned for later this year.
In the second half of 2021, Intel expects to deliver a new line of client CPUs (codenamed “Alder Lake”), which will include its first 10nm-based desktop CPU and a new 10nm-based server CPU. (codenamed “Sapphire Rapids”). The timing of the company’s 7nm-based CPU products is changing approximately six months from previous expectations. The main driver is Intel’s 7nm process performance, which according to recent data is now trending approximately twelve months behind the company’s internal target.
Tom’s Hardware He notes that in a post-launch call, executives, including CEO Bob Swan, mentioned a “default mode” in the process, saying they may rely on third-party foundries for chip production. That means delaying 7nm production in late 2022 or early 2023. Apparently more updates will be received on the company’s Architecture Day as it tries to catch up with the competition.
