The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Intel 18A is the process at the center of reports that NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang found Intel test-chip results promising. That is an encouraging technical signal, but it does not show that NVIDIA has chosen Intel Foundry, qualified a chip for production, or signed a manufacturing deal. Intel says 18A entered high-volume manufacturing in late 2025 and is used in its Core Ultra Series 3 processors.
What is Intel 18A?
Intel 18A is Intel’s leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing process. Intel says it entered production in 2025 and that the node brings performance-per-watt and density improvements over Intel 3. It introduces two technologies: RibbonFET, Intel’s gate-all-around transistor design, and PowerVia, its backside power-delivery approach. Intel’s 2025 Form 10-K says 18A first entered high-volume manufacturing in late 2025.
Intel’s process milestones describe different stages of readiness. In April 2025, Intel said 18A was in risk production and expected volume manufacturing that year. Risk production is not the same milestone as high-volume manufacturing: the former indicates a process is being tested and refined ahead of broader production, while the latter is Intel’s reported transition to manufacturing at volume.
Did NVIDIA agree to use Intel Foundry?
Not on the evidence established here. A reported positive reaction to test-chip results is not the same as a foundry commitment. It does not establish that NVIDIA selected Intel, completed design qualification, or signed a production contract. The primary Intel sources cited here do not reproduce Huang’s original statement or transcript, so the headline’s characterization should be understood as a report, not a verified verbatim quotation.
#1 Best Overall
- Next‑Gen Platform Support: Compatible with Intel 800 Series Chipset‑based motherboards with LGA1851 Socket enabling PCIe 5.0/4.0 and high‑speed DDR5 memory (up to 7200 MT/s).
- High‑Performance Core Configuration: Features up to 24 cores (8 P‑cores + 16 E‑cores) for demanding gaming and creator
- Ultra‑Fast Boost Clocks: Reaches up to 5.5 GHz max turbo frequency for top‑tier responsiveness and performance
- Built for Enthusiasts: Unlocked for performance tuning when paired with Intel Z‑series chipsets, making it ideal for overclockers and power users.
- Robust Power & Thermal Design: Engineered with 125W base power and 250W max turbo power to sustain high‑intensity
Intel’s own filing distinguishes manufacturing its products on 18A from winning external foundry customers. Intel says it is working to establish 18A as a significant external foundry node; that objective is not proof that a particular outside customer has signed on.
Does a good test chip mean 18A is ready for production?
No single test-chip result establishes production yield at scale, manufacturing economics, or customer adoption. Test chips can provide useful evidence about whether process technologies and designs are working, but commercial readiness involves additional questions—such as repeatable manufacturing performance and whether a customer’s specific design is qualified. Intel’s later high-volume-manufacturing report and its use of 18A in an internal product are separate evidence of process progress; neither turns the reported NVIDIA response into a customer commitment.
Rank #2
- Game Without Compromise. Play harder and work smarter with Intel Core 14th Gen processors
- 20 cores (8 P-cores plus 12 E-cores) and 28 threads. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 included
- Up to 5.6 GHz with Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 gives you smooth game play, high frame rates, and rapid responsiveness
- Compatible with Intel 600-series (with potential BIOS update) or 700-series chipset-based motherboards
- DDR4 and DDR5 platform support cuts your load times and gives you the space to run the most demanding games
Intel’s June 2026 update also reports research on gate-all-around transistors and backside power delivery. In a specific CPU-core study, Intel reported approximately 30% frequency improvement at low voltage around 0.5 volts. That is a result from the described study, not a general performance promise for shipping products.
What do Intel’s 18A-P performance claims mean?
18A-P is a performance-enhanced member of the 18A family, not another name for base 18A. Intel said in June 2026 that 18A-P had entered risk production. Intel reported the following comparisons with 18A:
Rank #3
- Get ultra-efficient with Intel Core Ultra desktop processors that improve both performance and efficiency so your PC can run cooler, quieter, and quicker.
- Core and Threads 24 cores (8 P-cores plus 16 E-cores) and 24 threads. Integrated Intel Graphics included
- Performance Hybrid Architecture Integrates two core microarchitectures, prioritizing and distributing workloads to optimize performance
- Performance Unlocked Up to 5.7 GHz unlocked. 40MB Cache
- Compatibility Compatible with Intel 800 series chipset-based motherboards
| Intel-reported 18A-P result | Comparison basis |
|---|---|
| 9% higher performance | At the same power as 18A |
| 18% lower power | At the same performance as 18A |
| 20–40% improved thermal resistance | As reported by Intel |
| 10–30% improved via resistance | As reported by Intel |
These are Intel’s figures, not independent comparisons. “Higher performance at the same power” and “lower power at the same performance” describe different ways of holding one variable constant; they should not be treated as interchangeable guarantees for every product.
Intel’s June 2026 release also includes research and roadmap information, but those results should remain distinct from claims about production chips. Intel Foundry executive vice president and general manager Naga Chandrasekaran said: “This is a journey, and while we have more work ahead, we appreciate the opportunity to share the progress we are making with Intel 18A-P and our longer-range R&D.”
Rank #4
- Game Without Compromise. Play harder and work smarter with Intel Core 14th Gen processors
- 20 cores (8 P-cores plus 12 E-cores) and 28 threads. Discrete graphics required
- Up to 5.6 GHz with Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 gives you smooth game play, high frame rates, and rapid responsiveness
- Compatible with Intel 600-series (with potential BIOS update) or 700-series chipset-based motherboards
- DDR4 and DDR5 platform support cuts your load times and gives you the space to run the most demanding games
Which Intel products use 18A?
Intel’s 2025 Form 10-K identifies Core Ultra Series 3 as its first product family using Intel 18A. Intel’s October 2025 announcement described Panther Lake as its first AI PC platform built on 18A. This is evidence of Intel’s internal use of the process—not evidence that NVIDIA uses it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What comes after 18A?
Intel identifies 14A as the next-generation node beyond 18A and 18A-P. Its 2025 Form 10-K says securing a significant external customer for 14A matters to the economics of future leading-edge nodes. Intel also warns that without such a customer it may pause or discontinue development of 14A and successor leading-edge nodes. That is a disclosed business risk, not a prediction that Intel will make that decision.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsBest Value
- Game without compromise. Play harder and work smarter with Intel Core 14th Gen processors
- 24 cores (8 P-cores plus 16 E-cores) and 32 threads. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 included
- Leading max clock speed of up to 6.0 GHz gives you smoother game play, higher frame rates, and rapid responsiveness
- Compatible with Intel 600-series (with potential BIOS update) or 700-series chipset-based motherboards
- DDR4 and DDR5 platform support cuts your load times and gives you the space to run the most demanding games
Node names alone do not establish equivalent transistor density or capability across manufacturers. Comparisons should focus on the actual process features, measured results, production status, and conditions behind each claim.
How to read the reported NVIDIA response
- What it suggests: The reported test-chip feedback is a positive signal about early technical results.
- What it does not establish: A production-ready NVIDIA design, manufacturing contract, customer qualification, or commercial success at scale.
- What Intel has separately reported: 18A entered high-volume manufacturing in late 2025, and Core Ultra Series 3 is its first product family using the node.
Intel’s CEO Lip-Bu Tan said in April 2025: “Our No. 1 job is to listen to our customers and earn their trust by creating solutions to enable their success.” That statement describes Intel’s stated approach to customers; it does not identify NVIDIA as an 18A customer.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
