Intel has made a bold statement to the semiconductor industry by proving its 18A process node is ready for more than just x86 chips. In a live demo, the company showcased a non-x86 SoC built on its 18A process, running real-world workloads like 3D gaming, animation, and 4K video streaming.
The reference chip featured seven CPU cores across performance, optimized, and efficiency classes, paired with PCIe and controller IP sourced externally.
This move signals Intel’s intent to expand into the ARM and RISC-V ecosystems, with ARM being the more strategic target given its dominance in mobile and its role in Apple’s M-series and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon platforms. The company’s goal is to attract top-tier fabless customers – and show it can compete head-to-head with TSMC’s N2 process not only in the x86 market but across the broader CPU landscape.
Beyond hardware, Intel has also updated its developer tools – notably VTune Profiler – to support non-x86 SoCs with better CPU utilization metrics. This aligns with the firm’s plan to become a world-class contract manufacturer and break free from its image as solely an x86 supplier.
The 18A demo wasn’t just a performance showcase; it was a calculated message to potential clients like Apple, Qualcomm, and even NVIDIA that Intel’s fabs are open for business. For a company often accused of leaning on government subsidies, delivering competitive silicon without relying on bailouts could be a critical narrative shift in the ongoing chip wars.
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