Intel 3nm Process Node has finally met its performance target

July 31, 2023

2 min read

Intel recently made an exciting announcement, stating that their highly-anticipated 3nm-class process technology has not only met its defect density and performance targets but is also on track for high-volume manufacturing of their upcoming processors. These processors, codenamed Granite Rapids and Sierra Forest, are set to be produced next year using the refined Intel 3 fabrication technology, previously known as 5nm, which utilizes extreme ultraviolet lithography.

Compared to its predecessor, Intel 4 (previously known as 7nm), the Intel 3 process boasts some impressive enhancements.

It promises an impressive 18% higher performance per watt efficiency, along with a denser high-performance library, reduced via resistance, and increased intrinsic drive current.

These advancements make the 3nm-class node ideally suited for data center-grade products, which often use large monolithic dies and consume substantial power. The reduction in via resistance is especially beneficial for these applications.

So far, the chip maker has announced two processors to be manufactured on their 3nm-class node – the server-class Granite Rapids and Sierra Forest. Furthermore, their Foundry Services division is working on a custom data center product for a hyperscaler using the same cutting-edge Intel 3 process technology.

While Intel’s focus is currently on data center products, they have not disclosed any plans to use the 3nm-class process technology for client products. Currently, the company is ramping up the production of their Meteor Lake CPU for notebooks and desktops on the 4nm process, while preparing for mass production of the Arrow Lake CPU on Intel’s 20A (20 Angstroms, 2nm-class) manufacturing technology in the coming quarters.

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