Intel’s “way out”:
A) License the ARM ‘core’
B) Get those front-end, fine chip-fab geometries working ...
C) Beat ARM and the contract foundries at their own game.
Interestingly, Intel has had a ARM architecture license - I believe also called an ISA (Instruction Set Architecture) license - for well more than decade and did nothing with it.
Their other problem is they have been working on x86 7NM for at least three years now (maybe longer) and admitted recently that 2023 is probably optimistic before it’s available.’ I’m not sure if migrating to ARM is going to improve their manufacturing processes.
Intel has been out-innovated and out-engineered at just about every level, from conception to execution. This new CEO seems to be saying the right things, but they’re going to need deliverables more than words.
Intel’s problem is not their “CISC” processors as much as their inability to master the art of x-ray lithography. Intel lost years promising a step to 10nm process which equals 7nm process of the recent Apple A-Series Chips. Intel is just beginning to release their 10nm chips in limited quantities while Apple shipping 5nm with their M1 and soon to be shipping 3nm with the M2 class chips in 2022. It is this ability to compact more onto the same piece of silicon that is giving Apple the advantage.
Now if China invades Taiwan, all bets are off. Apple may be hurting for a few years as the plants that Trump encouraged TSMC to build in the U.S. come online