Intel is considering manufacturing its 14th generation Core CPUs (“Meteor Lake”) at least partially using TSMC’s 5nm process to copy Apple’s M1 chip series, it is now reported.
The Meteor Lake chips announced last year will be Intel's first multi-chiplet design that integrates an application processor, graphics unit, and interconnect chips into a single Intel Foveros Advanced Package. Intel originally announced that the Meteor Lake CPUs would be manufactured using its own 7nm process, which it calls "Intel 4." At the last earnings conference, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger said that Meteor Lake will be the first Intel product to be manufactured using Intel 4. Prototypes are said to have already successfully booted Windows 12 and Linux. Now sources claim opposite DigiTimes that Intel is considering ordering all chip blocks for the Meteor Lake CPUs from TSMC, Apple's sole chip supplier.
Intel's Meteor Lake CPUs to be released in 2023
Instead of relying solely on Intel's in-house 7nm process, the Meteor Lake chip blocks are expected to be manufactured using TSMC's 5nm process, just like Apple's M1 chips for the Mac. This is expected to avoid delays in the production and launch of the CPUs. The A14 Bionic, A15 Bionic, M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 Ultra chips will be manufactured using TSMC's 5nm process. Intel's decision could help the Meteor Lake chips better compete with Apple's rival custom silicon. TSMC, meanwhile, is also said to have received orders for chips for the iPhone 14, which will be manufactured using the 5nm process. The sources added that the potential orders for Meteor Lake CPUs are large enough to encourage TSMC to increase its manufacturing capacity for its 5nm chips by the end of the year. Intel's Meteor Lake CPUs are expected to launch in 2023. (Photo by StockNinja / Bigstockphoto)
