Intel begins mass production of chips on the Intel 4 node at its factory in Ireland. The advanced process, which uses EUV technology, is being used for the first time in Europe.

Intel starts up its Intel 4 production line at its factory in Leixlip, Ireland. The advanced Intel 4 process utilizes Extreme UV technology and is one of the most advanced microchip manufacturing processes available today. Among other things, Intel will use it for the production of Meteor Lake CPUs, which it will announce shortly.

The news shows Intel’s increased focus on Europe. Although Intel 4 was developed and optimized in the USA, the factory in Ireland is the first to roll chips off the assembly line in large quantities. This milestone was not reached without a fight: the manufacturer invested $ 17 billion in the site in recent years to implement the node.

EUV from the Netherlands

The production line is full of extremely complex devices. The big star is the EUV lithography machine. It is the size of a small room and is able to generate and control EUV “light” via special mirrors. EUV radiation makes it possible to produce extremely small components on microchips very precisely.

Only the Dutch ASML in Eindhoven is currently able to build EUV machines. Intel previously described the device as perhaps the most complex device humanity has ever built. It took eighteen months to prepare the factory in Ireland to receive the EUV machine.

Intel says Intel offers 4 to 20 percent more horsepower per watt than the Intel 7 process. The node is important for Meteor Lake, but remains relevant for advanced chips for all sorts of purposes.