To get high yields and a reliable process at these process nodes you need high throughout in the fabs, even with sophisticated models and simulations is my guess. At one point in time Intel had high throughput compared to the world via internal demand, which then translated into an advantage for their designs. Internal tools were build around this feedback loop, until that loop was no longer true. The throughput at external fabs far exceeded the throughput at Intel. While external fabs were designed to be used by all, Intel flows and fabs were not. Rather than adjusting to new reality quickly, and competing on design while exposing the fabs to customers, it seems Intel is now struggling mightely on both fronts.
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