Microsoft to make Maia 3 chips with Intel's help
Microsoft is partnering with Intel to manufacture its Maia 3 "Griffin" AI accelerator chips, using Intel's advanced 18A or 18A-P process.
This move boosts Microsoft's in-house AI hardware for Azure, aiming for better performance and lower costs.
Maia 3 will be built on large silicon
The Maia 3 will be built on large silicon, with the reticle limit being about 858 mm2, using Intel's improved tech, which means improved yields and lower defect density.
Microsoft and Intel are fine-tuning the design for heavy-duty AI tasks, likely sticking with a large die or multiple large dies approach for speed.
Microsoft also plans to use TSMC's cutting-edge 3nm process
Alongside Intel, Microsoft plans to make future Maia chips using TSMC's cutting-edge 3nm process.
Their earlier Maia 100 processor was already massive—bigger than NVIDIA's top GPUs—with over 105 billion transistors packed in.
By choosing both Intel and TSMC, Microsoft is shaking up
By choosing both Intel and TSMC, Microsoft is shaking up the chip supply chain and showing it wants more control over its own tech.
This could help push the industry to take Intel Foundry more seriously—and sets Azure apart as data centers evolve.