Intel 45nm fab to open in 45 days

SAN FRANCISCO--In 45 days, Intel will open its first high-volume facility for building chips that use a 45-nanometer manufacturing process.

A dime sits atop a wafer of processors built with Intel's 45-nanometer manufacturing process.

(Credit: Intel)

The facility, called Fab 32, is a new one built in Chandler, Ariz., said spokesman Nick Knupffer, in an interview here at the VMworld conference. Most of Intel's current chips are built with a process that permits 65-nanometer circuitry elements, but the new 45-nanometer process will mean more circuits can fit on the same area of silicon wafer.

Intel currently builds 45-nanometer processors at its D1D facility in Oregon, but Fab 32 will be geared for high-volume manufacturing.

Intel rival Advanced Micro Devices has just begun its transition to 65-nanometer processors.

[SaltwaterBurning]

Incorrect Information

"Intel rival Advanced Micro Devices has just begun its transition to 65-nanometer processors." is factually incorrect. AMD has been shipping 65nm parts since 12/06. I don't think that qualifies as "just begun". See <a class="jive-link-external" href="http://techreport.com/articles.x/11473" target="_newWindow">http://techreport.com/articles.x/11473</a>

[RecessionCone]

I'd say it's accurate

Considering that AMD still can't make a 65nm chip that yields at <br />frequencies equal to its 90nm technology, I guess I'd have to agree <br />that they're still beginning their transition to 65nm. <br />In fact, I'm a little surprised that you would claim their 65nm <br />process is mature, when all of their top of the line chips are still <br />being made on 90nm.

[Montevale]

Less heat more ooooomph?

The UMPCs can't be made without this crucial step.<br />We really need faster CPUs that have smaller footprint of heat consumption.

[spothannah]

45nm

I find this amazing. Any idea as to the next "downsizing" in terms of size and when it is expected to take place?