Intel Corporation is a leader in the semiconductor industry, known for its innovative technology in the chip market. 

Intel’s success is not limited to its premium products with technological advancements and well-executed marketing promotions. It has also collaborated with the government to enhance its dominance. For instance, Intel secured a $2.4 billion deal to benefit from the CHIPS Act, allocating $40 billion for manufacturing incentives.

Here, we will explore the factors contributing to Intel’s competitive edge in the chip market, focusing on its effective pricing strategies, targeted market segmentation, R&D investments, and more.

How Competitive is Intel in the Chip Market

As of 2023, Intel has held a 9.1% share of the global semiconductor market. This significant market share has been due to the company advancing its chip production technologies, transitioning from Intel 7 and Intel 4 to Intel 3, Intel 20A, and Intel 18A. The most advanced chip design, the 18A, will be ready for manufacturing by 2025.

Intel’s main competitors in the chip market include AMD, NVIDIA, IBM, and Samsung. 

• AMD is a direct rival of Intel’s x86 microprocessor market. The company has previously made significant market gains, but Intel has recently reclaimed a significant market share. 
• NVIDIA is a key player in the GPU market. It is expanding into areas where Intel is also focusing, such as data centers, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. 
• IBM, once a user of Intel’s processors, now competes with its own processors in servers and mainframes. 
• Samsung, competing in semiconductors for smartphones and data centers, surpassed Intel as the largest semiconductor maker by revenue in 2017 and 2018. Intel regained this top spot in 2019.

Now, let’s explore some of Intel’s key products.

Intel’s Core i3-12100 processor is the company’s most affordable chip under $100. However, the previous generation flagship, the 13900K, remains a valuable choice for many due to its superior performance across most benchmarks, improved multi-core capabilities, and cost-effectiveness compared to alternatives.  

The 13900K is similar to the newer 14900K but is more affordable and energy-efficient. This makes it especially attractive to enthusiasts who need high core counts and fast speeds for intensive tasks like video editing and file compression.

Intel also introduced its latest Xeon processor to secure a larger share in this fast-growing AI market. Although the fourth generation of Intel Xeon processors was launched only in January 2023, Intel quickly released the fifth generation, Emerald Rapids, in that same year to stay competitive. 

These new Xeon chips deliver an average of 21% higher compute performance and 16% faster memory speeds than the previous fourth-generation Sapphire Rapids. They also offer 36% better performance per watt for various workloads. Users can perform more demanding tasks while consuming less power, making these processors Intel’s most environmentally friendly options.

Intel’s Chip Pricing

Intel establishes its prices and maintains lower costs through mass production for higher profits. It provides various processors at different prices, serving customers from budget-friendly to high-performance seekers.

• Intel Core i7-12700KF: Costing around $270, it is ideal for gamers and productivity-focused users seeking high performance at a reasonable price.
• Intel Core i5-13600KF: Priced at about $280, it offers a good balance of performance and price, suitable for mainstream users and budget-conscious gamers.
• Intel Core i7-14700K: Available for roughly $399, this processor performs demanding tasks and even multitasking.
• Intel Core i9-13900K: At around $522, this high-end processor is aimed at enthusiasts and professionals who need optimal performance for background tasks for multitasking.
• Intel Core i9-14900K: At approximately $574, it is one of Intel’s top-tier processors for those who demand the highest computing power.

Intel’s pricing strategies are shaped by its goals to stay profitable and competitive while safeguarding its intellectual property. For example, if AMD produces a chip costing $50 with a 30% gross margin, setting the price at about $71.42, Intel can benefit from a one-node advantage by making a similar chip for $25. This allows Intel to sell its chip competitively while enjoying a higher gross margin of 64.2% compared to AMD’s 30%.

Intel’s Chip Market Segmentation

Intel has tailored its approach to different customer needs across sectors. Each segment plays a role in Intel’s overall strategy by catering to diverse customer needs and driving innovation in their respective markets.

• Client Computing Group (CCG) focuses on connectivity technologies and devices like PCs, 2-in-1s, and gaming systems. In 2016, CCG generated $32.9 billion in revenue, which accounted for 55.4% of Intel’s total revenue.
• Data Center and AI (DCAI) develops products like Intel® Xeon® server processors and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). It drives Intel’s AI strategy, especially for data centers. 
• Network and Edge Group (NEX) aims to be a leader in technology from the network to the edge. It focuses on bringing data processing solutions closer to data sources, thereby reducing latency and improving efficiency
• Accelerated Computing Systems and Graphics (AXG) delivers high-performance computing and graphics solutions for clients, enterprises, and data centers. This segment addresses the demand for more powerful computing and graphics processing capabilities for 3D rendering, scientific simulations, and gaming.
• Intel Foundry Services (IFS) operates as a vertical and standalone foundry business, offering manufacturing services and sort and test capabilities.
• Mobileye is a leader in driving assistance and self-driving solutions for the automotive industry. Its portfolio includes an entire stack of required assisted and autonomous driving.

Intel’s Research and Development Investments in Chips

Intel is leveraging the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which mobilizes over $200 billion in private investments for research and development in U.S. semiconductor production. This move is part of Intel’s strategy to establish next-generation chip manufacturing facilities that will shape the future of technology. The company is also committed to developing a skilled workforce to sustain the industry’s growth for semiconductors.

CEO Pat Gelsinger highlighted how the CHIPS Act bolsters the semiconductor sector, advocating for Intel to receive a larger share of the Act’s funding. He points out that Intel’s edge is its extensive R&D activities within the U.S., in contrast to competitors that primarily conduct their R&D abroad.

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Intel has made significant expansions in Arizona, New Mexico, and Ohio, with the Ohio initiative marking the largest private-sector investment in the state. These efforts aim to reclaim technology leadership and increase manufacturing capabilities domestically.

Additionally, as a part of the CHIPS Act, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has allocated $300 million to chip manufacturing R&D, mainly on advanced packaging and substrates. This initiative is expected to improve chip performance and efficiency, laying the groundwork for the next leaps in semiconductor manufacturing technology.

What is Altera?

Originally acquired by Intel in 2015, Altera, previously known as Intel Programmable Solutions Group, was officially rebranded in January 2024 to become a standalone business for customizable chips. Here’s what you need to know about the business unit.

Reasons Behind Altera’s Rebranding

Intel’s strategic move to rebrand and subsequently spin off its FPGA business as Altera is due to its intent to sharpen its focus on chip manufacturing and design. This decision is a cornerstone of CEO Pat Gelsinger’s comeback plan to prioritize chip manufacturing capabilities through Intel Foundry Services (IFS) and enhance chip design innovations.

Transforming the Programmable Solutions Group (PSG) into an independent entity named Altera streamlines Intel’s operations and unlocks substantial value for its shareholders. This move can provide Intel with the necessary capital to support Gelsinger’s plans to usher in new and advanced chip manufacturing nodes.

Moreover, this move can help Altera address the demands of the FPGA market. Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are increasing in demand in the industrial, automotive, defense, and aerospace sectors.  

Who Leads Altera?

Two new leaders emerge in Intel’s new venture. Sandra Rivera was appointed Altera’s new Chief Executive Officer, previously serving as the Executive Vice President and Head of the Data Center and AI Group (DCAI) at Intel. She revitalized the company’s DCAI under her leadership, leveraging her extensive experience in AI, product development, and network infrastructure transformation. Meanwhile, Shannon Poulin, former Vice President of Intel’s PSG unit, is now the Chief Operating Officer. 

Products of Altera

Altera has a wide range of offerings in programmable devices and technologies. Here are some of the on its portfolio.

• Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are highly flexible silicon devices that can be customized for various tasks, such as fast communication or high-performance computing.
• Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs) are simpler and smaller than FPGAs but more power-efficient. They are great for quickly setting up multiple logic configurations.
• Structured ASICs are the middle ground between fully customizable FPGAs and standard-cell ASICs. They offer a good balance of flexibility, affordability, and performance.
• Acceleration Platforms speed up specific computing tasks. They use the programmability of FPGAs to improve performance for particular applications.
• Software development tools to support seamless integration of their hardware into client systems

FAQs

Which companies will benefit from the CHIPS Act?

The companies that will benefit from the CHIPS Act are the following:

• Intel potentially gets the largest benefit, with an expected $19.7 billion in funding. Intel’s commitment includes investing over $20 billion in constructing two new chip manufacturing facilities in Ohio. 
• Micron Technology is another recipient of the Act, projected to receive $10.3 billion. It’s planning to invest up to $100 billion over the next two decades to establish the largest fabrication facility in Central New York. 
• GlobalFoundries is set to benefit from the Act by getting $1.5 billion, thanks to its extensive U.S. manufacturing and semiconductor research footprints. 
• Texas Instruments anticipates receiving $2.1 billion to enhance its research and development activities further. 
• Smaller U.S. chipmakers like Macom Technology Solutions, SkyWater Technology, and Wolfspeed are also expected to gain from the CHIPS Act. Wolfspeed is highly likely to benefit due to its specialization in silicon-carbide chips for electric vehicles and 5G wireless technologies.

What does the Chip Act do?

The CHIPS Act, or the “Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors and Science Act of 2022,” is a strategic initiative to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor industry. By offering substantial financial incentives, the legislation aims to boost domestic production, research, and development of semiconductors. 

What is the federal government trying to accomplish through the CHIPS Act?

The CHIPS Act aims to reduce the United States’ reliance on foreign semiconductor manufacturing and fortify its global technology leadership. Several companies receive direct financial support or indirect advantages through the enhanced U.S. semiconductor ecosystem.

Who is the largest chip manufacturer? What is the #1 semiconductor company in the U.S.?

As of 2023, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is the world’s largest semiconductor chip manufacturer, with a market share of over 50%. It leads the industry ahead of giants such as Intel and Samsung.

In 2024, Nvidia emerged as the leading semiconductor company in the United States, with a market capitalization of $2.12 trillion. Broadcom got the second spot with a market cap of $659.4 billion, followed by AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm.