According to DIGITIMES, Intel is considering at least partially using TSMC's 5-nm process to manufacture its 14th generation core "meteor Lake" CPU, which is used in Apple's M1 series chips The Intel meteor Lake chip announced last year will be its first multi chip design, integrating application processor, graphics processing unit and connection chip into an Intel foveros advanced package.
Intel initially said that the meteor Lake CPU would be manufactured using its own 7-nanometer process, which it called "Intel 4". At the recent earnings conference call, Intel CEO pat Gelsinger said that meteor lake will be Intel's first product made with Intel 4, and its prototype has successfully launched windows 12 and Linux.
Now, Intel is considering placing orders for all chip components used in the meteor Lake CPU with TSMC, Apple's only chip supplier. Meteor Lake chips will be contracted to TSMC's 5-nm process, rather than relying solely on Intel's own 7-nm process. It is reported that this will help avoid delays in the production and release schedule of CPU.
Apple's A14 bionic, A15 bionic, M1, M1 pro, M1 Max and M1 ultra chips are all manufactured using TSMC's 5-nm process. Intel's decision can help meteor Lake chips better compete with Apple's competitive customized chips. It is reported that TSMC has also received [iPhone] using its 5-nm process( https://apple.pvxt.net/c/1251234/435400/7639?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fcn%2Fiphone%2F ) 14 series chip orders.
The source added that the potential orders for meteor Lake CPU will be large enough to encourage TSMC to expand its manufacturing capacity of 5-nanometer chips by the end of the year.
Intel's meteor Lake CPU will be launched in 2023.