Intel Is Prepping a Monster Server CPU for 2025

Market Position and Competitive Landscape - Intel has fallen behind AMD in the server CPU market due to AMD's more powerful and energy-efficient chips, leveraging TSMC's advanced manufacturing technology [1] - Intel has closed the gap with AMD in 2024 by launching two new server CPU families, Granite Rapids and Sierra Forest, manufactured partly on the Intel 3 process, which is more advanced than Intel 7 [2] - Intel is expected to gain more ground in 2025 with the launch of Clearwater Forest, a crucial product for the company [3] Product Development and Innovation - Clearwater Forest, the successor to Sierra Forest, will feature at least 144 efficiency cores, with a 288-core version in development, targeting cloud computing workloads [4] - Clearwater Forest will be one of the first products to use the Intel 18A manufacturing process, which is expected to be the most advanced when launched, potentially reclaiming Intel's manufacturing edge over TSMC [5] - Intel 18A will introduce new transistor types, backside power delivery, and 3D cache technology, promising significant efficiency and performance improvements [6] Strategic Goals and Foundry Business - Intel aims to become the second-largest semiconductor foundry by 2030, with Intel 18A being a critical component of this strategy [8] - The company has secured customers like Microsoft and Amazon for Intel 18A but needs more third-party chip orders to justify its massive manufacturing investments [8] - Clearwater Forest's success could serve as a strong marketing tool for Intel 18A, potentially attracting TSMC's biggest customers if it delivers on performance and efficiency [9] Industry Challenges and Outlook - Intel's turnaround has been slow, impacted by a post-pandemic slump in the PC market and a shift in data center spending toward AI chips [10] - Despite challenges, Intel 18A is on track, and Clearwater Forest could revitalize the company's server CPU business while promoting its foundry capabilities [10]