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报道:关键制程技术遇阻,英特尔下一代PC芯片进展堪忧
Hua Er Jie Jian Wen·2025-08-05 12:33

Core Insights - Intel is facing significant setbacks in its efforts to regain its dominance in chip manufacturing, particularly with the 18A process for the "Panther Lake" laptop chips, which has low yield rates [1][2] - The company had previously committed to large-scale production of the 18A process by 2025, aiming to attract external clients for its nascent foundry business [1][5] - Intel's CFO acknowledged that the production is still in the early stages and that yield improvements are expected by the end of the year, but profitability remains uncertain [1][2] Yield Challenges - Yield is a critical indicator of chip manufacturing efficiency and profitability, with the "Panther Lake" chip's yield reportedly increasing from about 5% to only 10% since last year [2] - The defect density of the "Panther Lake" chip is approximately three times the acceptable level for large-scale production, with Intel's historical target being over 50% yield before entering mass production [2][3] - Despite the CFO's claims that yield is better than reported, he did not provide specific figures and emphasized the need for further improvements [2] Technical Risks - The challenges faced by Intel in the 18A process stem from the aggressive introduction of multiple unproven technologies, which poses significant manufacturing risks [3] - This strategy is seen as a high-risk gamble, with the potential for failure if yield rates do not improve significantly before the product launch [3] Impact on Foundry Business - The success or failure of "Panther Lake" is crucial for Intel's foundry business, which aims to compete with TSMC in contract manufacturing [5] - Achieving mass production of "Panther Lake" would serve as a key validation of the 18A process's capabilities, attracting external customers [5] - Intel has warned that if the next-generation 14A process fails to secure external foundry business, the company may completely exit the advanced manufacturing sector [5]