Intel Strengthening Its Manufacturing And R&D

Intel, with a recent resurgence on the strength of new highly competitive microprocessors, is adding to its competitive position in R&D and manufacturing, reports In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com). Intel will quickly be transitioning to the 45nm process node with high-k dielectrics and metal gates beginning in late 2007, the high-tech market research firm says. Intel will be looking to further enhance its semiconductor manufacturing offerings in 2009 with new technology at the 32nm process node and, likely, a new round of new and refurbished fabs.

“In-Stat believes Intel will remain the technical leader and largest semiconductor manufacturer for the foreseeable future because of its continued investment in new process technology and capacity,” says Jim McGregor, In-Stat analyst. “By 2010, there are likely to be only five to ten major semiconductor manufacturers building their own fabs, and fewer than five separate process technologies because of the growing reliance on co-development/partnership efforts in the industry.”

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

Intel’s capacity expansion has slowed from the jump created by the 300mm wafer transition and initial dual-core ramp-up.

Intel now has enough combined 200mm and 300mm capacity to satisfy estimated demand for microprocessors, core-logic chip sets, and other supporting devices.

After several years of increases, Intel’s manufacturing costs should begin declining in 2008.
Recent In-Stat research, 2007 Intel Microprocessor Manufacturing & Die Cost Analysis (#IN0702980IN), analyzes Intel’s manufacturing strategy for capacity and technology, and how this strategy will affect Intel’s manufacturing costs for current and future microprocessors. The research is based on In-Stat’s fab model for Intel total fab capacity for microprocessors (x86 and IA-64 microprocessors used in mobile, desktop, and enterprise computing solutions) and In-Stat’s microprocessor model of Intel’s CPU die sizes and shipments. It includes estimates for Intel’s manufacturing costs at maturity by microprocessor. In addition to the report, Jim and other In-Stat analysts provide consulting services on a variety of technical and market topics regarding the semiconductor and electronics industries.

For more information on this research or to purchase it online, please visit: http://www.instat.com/catalog/scatalogue.asp?id=86 or contact a sales representative: Eastern North America: Tina Sheltra, 480.609.4531; tina.sheltra@reedbusiness.com Western North America: Elaine Potter, 480.483.4441: epotter@reedbusiness.com Outside of North America: http://www.instat.com/sales.asp

The price is $3,495 (US).

This research is part of In-Stat’s Intel Tracker service, which tracks Intel’s product strategy and execution by market segment and technology. Quarterly reports review Intel’s financial performance, product introductions, strategic changes, and competitive developments. In-depth reports analyze Intel’s microprocessors for computing, manufacturing capacity and die cost, and communications products. Short briefs provide timely analysis on recent Intel and industry events.