Nvidia Halts Intel 18A Testing; INTC Slides

Nvidia halted testing of Intel’s 18A chip-manufacturing process, Reuters reported on Dec. 24, 2025, prompting a decline in Intel shares and raising investor questions about the commercial ramp of Intel Foundry’s 18A node and the companies’ disclosure of their testing relationship.

Nvidia Halts 18A Testing

Nvidia Corporation had been evaluating whether its chips could be manufactured using Intel Corporation’s 18A process, one of Intel’s most advanced production technologies, as part of Intel Foundry’s efforts to attract customers, according to two people familiar with the matter. Nvidia decided not to proceed with the current tests, the report said. The halt concerns Intel’s 18A node specifically, not a broader termination of commercial ties between the companies.

The report sparked debate among investors about whether the move signals a technical or commercial setback for Intel’s foundry push or a short-term market reaction. Some viewed the share decline as limited, while others saw it as a sign of fragile sentiment around the foundry ramp.

Company Filings and Strategic Context

A review of public records in the 72 hours after the report found no SEC filings—such as Form 8-K, 10-Q, 10-K, or 6-K—from either company referencing a halt to 18A testing. Neither Intel nor Nvidia issued press releases addressing the report, and no U.S. regulatory or exchange notices mentioned a testing pause.

Intel told Reuters its 18A manufacturing technologies are “progressing well” and declined to comment on Nvidia’s decision. Neither company revised financial guidance or technology roadmaps in the 72 hours following the report, and Nvidia did not link recent filings to changes in its manufacturing strategy or capital spending related to 18A testing.

Intel has positioned 18A, an 18-angstrom node, as central to regaining process leadership and expanding its external foundry business. Multiple chip designers have tested the node as potential customers. Nvidia’s pause raises questions about the commercial ramp but does not alter Intel’s positive portrayal of the technology’s development.

The companies announced a broader collaboration last year involving custom x86 CPUs for Nvidia’s AI platforms and x86 system-on-chips integrating Nvidia GPU chiplets. That partnership included a reported $5.0 billion equity commitment by Nvidia at $23.28 per share, subject to regulatory approvals and not a binding manufacturing commitment on 18A. No regulatory notices or approvals related to that transaction appeared in the 72-hour window after the testing halt report.

This episode increases near-term sentiment risk for Intel Foundry’s commercial story, even as Intel reiterates progress on 18A. Investors and industry observers will likely watch whether other customers continue 18A testing or if further disclosures change the public picture.