Intel is going behind Samsung's back to get chip manufacturing contracts from South Korean startups

The battle for chip production between technology giants Intel and Samsung continues and rumours have emerged that the US company wants to get chip production contracts with South Korean companies that produce chips but don't have their own fabs.

Here's What We Know

Intel CEO Patrick Gelsinger reportedly met with top executives from South Korea last year. The CEO allegedly revealed Intel's semiconductor plans and offered incentives for South Korean chip startups to partner and leverage Intel's semiconductor capabilities and the new 18A technology node, The Elec reported.

Intel recently unveiled its 14A technology node, equivalent to the 1.4-nanometre process and said chips made with the node will enter mass production in 2027. The company also said that it has already received orders worth $15 billion to date. Until that happens, Intel seems to be planning to start mass producing 18A (1.8nm) chips by the end of 2024.

Meanwhile, Samsung is trying to move from 4nm to 3nm GAA (Gate-All-Around) production this year, while TSMC and Intel are opting for a FinFET structure for their 3nm chips. With Intel apparently gaining the upper hand, the company is reportedly trying to win South Korean customers right out from under Samsung's nose.

Samsung is currently the second largest chip maker after TSMC. But it is becoming increasingly clear that the Korean tech giant will face stiff competition from Intel, and the next few years could be crucial for its semiconductor business.

Source: The Elec