Intel PCH Chips to Use Samsung 8nm

According to reports, Intel has entrusted Samsung with the production of its next-generation Platform Controller Hub (PCH), which is expected to be manufactured using Samsung's mature 8nm process.

The PCH, Intel's integrated southbridge chip, plays a key role in connecting the CPU, memory, and various I/O devices, serving as the system's control hub. Industry insiders indicate that this PCH is ready for mass production. Analysts also suggest that the 8nm PCH will primarily support Intel's upcoming Nova Lake desktop processors.

Currently, Intel's 14nm PCH chips are produced at Samsung's Texas facility in the U.S. However, the new 8nm order is expected to shift production back to Samsung's Hwaseong factory in South Korea. The Hwaseong 8nm line is known for its robust output, capable of producing approximately 30,000 to 40,000 wafers per month.

Experts believe Intel's choice to use Samsung's Korean facility over its U.S. plant reflects the high maturity and operational reliability of the 8nm node. Balancing high performance with stable yields and supply reliability appears to be Intel's top priority in this decision.

The collaboration highlights Samsung's competitive strength in mature process nodes. While cutting-edge technologies like 2nm represent future innovation, nodes such as 5nm and 8nm remain favored by mainstream hardware designers due to their process stability and cost efficiency. Outsourcing the PCH to Samsung allows Intel to focus its in-house fabs on core CPU development while leveraging the mature 8nm process to ensure platform stability.

The order also strengthens the partnership between the two semiconductor giants and sets a strong foundation for Samsung's wafer production to reach full-scale output in 2026. As mass production ramps up, the industry will closely watch how Samsung manages its Korean facility to meet the high demand from Intel's next-generation processors.