Intel's 45-Nanometer Technology, Too Hot to Handle?

The 45-nanometer technology seems to be the source of CPU manufacturers' headache. AMD has completely failed in delivering the new processors built around the 45-nm technology, and it seems that there will be some other couple of months until they get the first working CPU.

According to the rumors emerging from the industry, Intel is almost in the same weak position. It is true that it has already achieved some working processors that have flawlessly passed all the tests, but rumor has it that Intel is facing some serious problems with the technology.

First of all, Intel seems to have problems ramping the 45/High-K/Metal process to volume. The Hafnium-based semiconductors are still in larva stage, and mass production seems to be impossible to achieve. Intel is still mass-producing semiconductors using the 45nm non-High-K/non-Metal process for its lower-end volume chips.

Switching from High-K to non-High-K is a difficult process that requires a complete revamping of the CPU, which is an expensive procedure asking for huge efforts. This leaves us thinking that Intel knew they would face difficulties in ramping up the High-K process, so they took all the necessary precautions for switching back to non-High-K.

Moreover, unconfirmed rumors say that Intel had to trash a whole lot of Harpertown processors, because of some major flaws. This also fuels the rumors regarding Intel's volume problems. Harpertowns are currently unavailable anywhere, just like it happened to AMD's Barcelona line. This situation occurs a month after they have been launched and the situation should arise suspicions. Intel explains that the Harpertowns are unavailable due to high demand, as well as AMD's Barcelona not being present yet.

Another significant element is the price. Penryns have been priced extremely low, as Intel wanted to make sure they will stand the Barcelona competition. However, Barcelonas did not make it to the market and Intel had to be consistent with the announced prices, so the chip manufacturer had to pump 65-nanometer processors to cover up for the 45-nanometer line.

Yet, Intel announced the availability of their 45-nanometer High-K processors for the first quarter of 2008. Should they stick to the deadline, everything is OK. Should they fail and we can wave good-bye at the 45-nanometer quad-cores, both Intel and AMD.