Intel Reportedly Making Progress With 18A Yields, Surpassing Samsung’s 2nm But Still Trailing TSMC’s N2 Process
There’s finally some great news from Intel’s camp, as it is now reported that the 18A process has reached yield rates that are higher than what competitors are currently at.
Intel’s 18A Yield Rates Are Sufficient Enough For HVM By Q4 2025; First Integration With Panther Lake SoCs
Before we get into the rumors, it is important to take them with a grain of salt since many specifics surrounding the yield rate figures have yet to be disclosed. Now, based on analysis by KeyBanc Capital Markets, in a research note, it is claimed that Intel’s 18A node is progressing quickly when it comes to the development stage, and that its yield rate is higher than what Samsung’s SF2 comes with, but it is behind TSMC’s N2. However, this does show that Team Blue is indeed on track for HVM by the end of the year.
We continue to hear constructive feedback on Intel’s 18A process and hear that current yield rates have improved to 55%, up from 50% a quarter ago. This compares favorably to Samsung’s 2nm process (SF2), which we believe is tracking at ~40%, but is below TSMC’s N2 process, where yields are currently at 65%.
A steady increase in yield rates is crucial for Intel at this stage, especially since 18A is more dedicated towards internal products like Panther Lake; hence, it is absolutely necessary for Team Blue to nail this stage. Speaking of PTL, KeyBanc notes that the company is on track to mass-produce 18A for next-gen mobile CPUs, with yield rates reported to be at 70% by Q4 2025. While Intel isn’t expected to outperform TSMC in yield rates, having a capable node would be sufficient for the company.
There has been uncertainty about the future of Intel’s 18A node, but the company’s internal use would be sufficient to categorize the process as a success. Intel plans to make ground in the cutting-edge segment with 18A and then transition to external customers with 14A. This decision would allow them to have a much more reputable product out in the market and potentially compete with TSMC’s A14. For now, we await how Panther Lake performs in the consumer segment, since, based on what we have seen in the past, there’s a lot of optimism behind it.
