Intel Earnings, Intel’s Differentiation?, Whither Terafab

Intel’s latest earnings show a surprising strength — thanks largely to a seismic shift in AI demand for CPUs. Ben Thompson points out that this isn’t just a cyclical boost; it’s a fundamental change in how data centers and AI workloads are driving growth. So what does that mean? Well, Intel’s traditional focus on raw process technology isn’t enough anymore — it's about how quickly they can adapt and scale to meet these new AI needs. But here's where it gets interesting: their ambitious Terafab project, meant to revolutionize manufacturing, seems to be hitting delays or uncertainties. As Thompson notes, Terafab could be a game-changer if it works, but right now, it’s more of a high-stakes gamble. The key takeaway? Intel’s future hinges less on catching up with process nodes and more on how well they capitalize on this AI-driven demand — and whether Terafab will really give them the edge they’re aiming for.