Intel Starts Work on 10A and 7A Chips Due After 2030

Key Takeaways

• Intel has started development on 10A and 7A fabrication technologies that will arrive sometime after 2030
• The 14A node remains on schedule with PDK v0.9 expected in October 2025
• Intel expects 14A risk production in 2028 and volume production in 2029, roughly matching TSMC's A14 timeline

Intel is already looking past its next-generation chip manufacturing process. CEO Lip-Bu Tan confirmed this week that the company has begun work on 10A and 7A fabrication technologies, processes that won't see production until sometime in the next decade.

The announcement came at JP Morgan's Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference, where Tan outlined Intel's long-term manufacturing roadmap while providing updates on the nearer-term 14A node.

Why Intel Is Planning a Decade Ahead

Both 10A and 7A processes will likely use ASML's EUV lithography tools with high numerical aperture optics. Intel plans to first deploy High-NA EUV for its 14A node, then extend the technology to these future generations.

“Now I am starting to work 10A, 7A, the roadmap. People do not simply go to you, they are looking for the roadmap for the future. So we want to build a long-term business.”

— Lip-Bu Tan, Intel CEO

Tan's comments highlight a basic truth about semiconductor manufacturing partnerships. Chip customers don't just buy today's process. They commit to multi-year product development cycles. They need to know their manufacturing partner will have competitive technology five or seven years out.

This is especially important for Intel Foundry Services, which is trying to win business from companies that have spent years working with TSMC and Samsung. Without a credible long-term roadmap, potential customers have no reason to switch.

14A Stays on Track for October PDK

The more immediate news concerns Intel's 14A process. Development is proceeding as planned. Version 0.5 of the process design kit (PDK) is already available to customers, and version 0.9 is due in October.

The PDK is the toolkit chip designers use to create products for a given manufacturing process. Version 0.9 is what Tan called "the Holy Grail" because it's close enough to final that customers can commit to real product designs.

“The Holy Grail is v0.9 PDK. Right now, we are looking at October to hand it to the outside customer. Internal customer will be earlier, so that we make sure that we really clean the pipe, make sure that we are doing right, make sure that we can sell with good quality.”

— Lip-Bu Tan, Intel CEO

Tan said multiple customers have expressed interest in 14A but declined to name them. He noted that customers can disclose the relationship if they choose.

The TSMC Comparison

Intel expects 14A risk production in 2028 and volume production in 2029. That timing roughly matches TSMC's A14 fabrication technology, which is expected to enter volume production in late 2028.

But the comparison isn't apples to apples. Intel's 14A features backside power delivery, making it better suited for high-end data center processors. TSMC's A14 targets a different set of applications.

There's also a difference in what "volume production" means for each company. TSMC typically begins high-volume manufacturing with very high yields from day one. Intel's ramp is expected to be more gradual.

What This Means for Intel Foundry

Intel's foundry business is in a difficult position. The company is trying to win external customers while simultaneously serving its own chip design teams. Both groups need confidence that Intel can execute on its manufacturing roadmap.

The 18A process is Intel's current focus. It's the first Intel node designed from the ground up to serve both internal products and external foundry customers. Early results will determine whether potential 14A customers take the plunge.

By talking about 10A and 7A now, Intel signals that it's thinking past the current crisis. Whether that's reassuring or premature depends on how 18A performs when it enters volume production.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Intel 10A and 7A?

These are future chip manufacturing processes Intel has begun developing. They will succeed the 18A and 14A nodes and enter production sometime after 2030, using advanced High-NA EUV lithography.

When will Intel 14A be available?

Intel expects 14A risk production in 2028 and volume production in 2029. The critical PDK v0.9 release for external customers is targeted for October 2025.

How does Intel 14A compare to TSMC A14?

Intel's 14A features backside power delivery, making it better suited for high-end data center processors. TSMC's A14 targets different applications. Both are expected to reach volume production around 2028-2029.

What is a process design kit (PDK)?

A PDK is the toolkit chip designers use to create products for a specific manufacturing process. It includes design rules, models, and libraries that let engineers design chips that can actually be manufactured.

Source: Latest from Tom's Hardware