In a flashy twist of fate, NVIDIA and Intel could become allies for the production of chips. This was stated by Jensen Huang, the CEO of the graphics card giant, who stated that they are exploring the possibility of adopting the foundry services of the firm led by Pat Gelsinger.
The affirmation of the main director of NVIDIA was given in a call shared with reporters, according to reports Reuters. In it, Huang indicated that Intel is interested in using its foundries, and that his company is looking forward to taking advantage of that possibility. Although it is not an official announcement, it does seem a public declaration of intent that should not be taken lightly.
From Intel they have not avoided the possibility of collaborating in the production of NVIDIA chips. Gelsinger himself told the aforementioned media that there are already discussions underway, although no target dates have been stipulated. In any case, he assured that they are “very excited” by the interest shown in their foundry services.
Clearly, an alliance between Intel and NVIDIA would not happen overnight; especially if we take into account that, currently, most of the chips used by the second are produced by a giant like TSMC. However, managers would not be encouraged to speak publicly about the issue if there was no tangible possibility of making it a reality.
Could NVIDIA choose Intel to produce its chips?
If NVIDIA finally tips Intel to produce its future chips, it would be a very striking twist in his strategy. Let’s remember that the firm was involved in a long novel for its attempt to buy ARM, in a business finally aborted last February after endless twists and turns, and regulatory pressures.
For Intel, meanwhile, guaranteeing a customer of the caliber of NVIDIA would be crucial for the success of an ambitious plan that has already been launched. The company announced in the middle of last year that it would start making Qualcomm chips, as part of a strategy to gain space in a sector dominated by TSMC and Samsung. This has meant a historical change in position, considering that they have dedicated a good part of their career to working exclusively on their own developments.
To this must be added the project to invest 80 billion euros in the production of semiconductors in Europe; and let’s not forget the purchase of Tower Semiconductor, with its almost 30 years of experience in the market.
When we talk about Intel and NVIDIA, we can’t help but think that they compete and rival each other in many aspects. However, Jensen Huang doesn’t think that’s an impediment; On the contrary, the executive considers that trust between associated companies is a key aspect for their success. And as if to make it clear that this new possibility would not be the exception to the rule, he released a more than eloquent sentence: “Intel has known our secrets for years”.
Today it is impossible to know if this possible rapprochement with Intel means that NVIDIA is definitively throwing in the towel in its plan to expand its presence in the world of semiconductors. Although it would seem that, after the failed purchase of ARM, I would be looking for differential (and preferential) treatment for the development of its chips. Maybe that’s how Pat Gelsinger’s guys can “steal” a client from TSMC and shake up the market.
