Intel Lands Major Contract with Microsoft for Its 18A Process; Google, NVIDIA & Others Set to Follow

Okay, let’s do this. So, picture this: Intel’s got this new tech thing going on, the 18A process, and it’s like they’ve struck gold or something. You know that feeling when you’ve been trying to get into this exclusive club, and suddenly you’re on the list? Yeah, kinda like that. Heard rumors swirling like autumn leaves about big names—NVIDIA, Microsoft, Google—being all, “Hey, what’s Intel cooking with this 18A thing?” Crazy times, right?

So, Intel needs a win, not just for dollars (though, let’s be real, who doesn’t want more cash?), but to be the cool kid on the block again. The scale’s been all TSMC lately—they’re like the prom king, especially after that shindig with Trump. Everyone’s eyeing TSMC’s US digs like it’s the new must-have purse. But here comes Intel waving their shiny 18A node like, “Hey, don’t count us out!” Heard whispers from some Korean news place, like ChosunBiz or some such, and they’re saying Intel’s cozying up to the big dogs, showing off their 18A like it’s their latest masterpiece.

Oh, and get this, the 18A had its grand debut at Direct Connect 2025—sounds like a sci-fi movie, doesn’t it? Intel’s all, “Look, we’ve got the most advanced process all made here in the US of A.” But, is it better than what they had before? You bet. Sorta like comparing your old flip phone to a smartphone. And everyone’s all, “Whoa, Team Blue’s onto something big.” You know, like every time you think your cat’s just a lazy fluffball, and then they do something that’s borderline genius.

I chuckled a bit when I read—okay, maybe a bit jealous?—that everyone’s buzzing about Intel’s new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan. Apparently, he’s shaking things up, thinking outside the box, focusing on design automation, packaging, all that jazz. Might even toss out that old “IDM 2.0” playbook. Go big or go home, right? And his moves could breathe new life into Intel’s CPUs too.

Another fun tidbit? TSMC’s so booked up, it’s like trying to get brunch reservations at the trendiest spot in town. Everyone’s on the hunt for options, and Intel’s standing there like, “Hey, we’re open!” Sure, Samsung’s in the race too—always chasing—but let’s see who snags that gold medal.

There you have it. Not clean, not polished, but fascinating all the same. Sort of like my grandma’s attic—full of surprises.