Thoughts on Intel's New Node Naming Strategy?

[AliceCarry]

Hi Intel Community,

I've recently been reading up on Intel’s updated process node naming, like "Intel 7" and "Intel 4", and I’m genuinely curious about the direction this is taking. From what I understand, the change moves away from the traditional nanometer-based naming and seems more aligned with performance targets rather than physical measurements. While I can see how this might better reflect real-world capabilities, there’s still some confusion, especially among consumers and even tech enthusiasts. Some discussions online mention this could be a strategic move to better align with industry standards and stay competitive with naming schemes used by TSMC and others.

I wanted to start this thread to ask the community what your take is on this shift. Do you think Intel’s new naming approach helps clarify things, or does it add more complexity? Are there deeper technical advantages tied to "Intel 7" beyond just performance-per-watt improvements? I’d especially appreciate insights from those more familiar with the fabrication and design side of things. Looking forward to learning from everyone here and understanding how this fits into Intel’s larger roadmap.

[ArchieD_Intel]

Hi AliceCarry,

Thank you for reaching out to the Intel Community Forum. I understand your question about the Intel Process Technology Naming. I will check this and will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Best regards,

Archie D.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[ArchieD_Intel]

Hi AliceCarry,

Intel has recently realigned its naming strategy to offer a clearer and more accurate representation of process nodes across the industry. This change aims to better reflect the balance of power efficiency, performance, and area in future nodes.

For decades, the names of process nodes were linked to the actual size of certain physical transistor features. Although the industry moved away from this practice years ago, it continued using the traditional pattern of assigning node names with decreasing numbers, reminiscent of units like nanometers. Intel is now refreshing its terminology to establish a more meaningful framework, enabling customers to gain a more precise understanding of process nodes and make well-informed decisions.

Additionally, I will be allowing other community members to share their insights and comments on this topic in the thread. Your engagement and feedback are always valued.

Best regards,

Archie D.

Intel Customer Support Technician