Intel Facing a Myriad of Challenges and Changes
According to In-Stat/MDR (http://www.instat.com), Intel, the world's leading semiconductor manufacturing company, is in the midst of many changes in its microprocessor product portfolio and manufacturing strategy. In 2004, Intel is ramping production of new desktop and mobile microprocessors in Prescott and Dothan, respectively. In addition, Intel has announced the introduction of dual-core processors beginning in the second-half of 2005 to overcome the growing problems of leakage current and power consumption associated with smaller manufacturing process technology and increasing operating frequencies. This will be accompanied by a shift in marketing from microprocessor speed grades to other feature and performance characteristics.
Intel is also ramping production on a 90nm process using 300mm wafers in 2004. The new process increases the number of potential units four times over the older 0.13µm process using 200mm wafers. Intel's fab expansion strategy is also changing to favor the retooling of older fabs over building new megafabs.
