According to the sources, 18A defect density is still 3x more than it should be if the process is to yield at a percentage rate which would deliver enough Panther Lake processors per wafer to make a profit.
Intel publicly remains optimistic. On July 30th, it said about Panther Lake: “Our performance and
yield trajectory gives us confidence this will be a successful launch.” Earlier last month Intel CFO David Zinsner said: “It’s early in the ramp.” Intel officially insists the Q4 launch for Panther Lake is: “Fully on track.”
According to Reuters’ sources, Intel usually aims for a yield of 50% before ramping production because 50% is the entry point at which it can make product at an acceptable profit margin. Most of an Intel product’s profits are said to come when the ramp delivers 70%+ yields. The sources said yields were 5% at the end of last year and 10% this summer.
If Intel is to meet its target of a Q4 launch it may have to sell Panther Lake chips at a low or even negative margin.
