EP:127 Intel Earnings, Exploring the Possible Scenario of a TSMC Monopoly

The Circuit · 28 Jul 2025 · 31m · Episode 128

What this episode covers

Hosts Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg analyze Intel's recent earnings call, focusing on CEO Pat Gelsinger's statement that Intel will not invest in its 14A process without external customer commitments, signaling a potential exit from the foundry business. They discuss the resulting risk of a TSMC monopoly, arguing that rising wafer costs will stifle innovation and force companies like Qualcomm, AMD, and custom ASIC designers to reconsider their roadmaps. The hosts propose a commercial solution where major tech firms collectively invest in Intel to maintain competition and prevent TSMC from controlling pricing and Moore's Law progression.

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