People with direct knowledge of discussions between the firms say Google has ordered in excess of three million tensor processing units from Intel, with production scheduled for 2028. The order volume and the production timeframe were described by sources familiar with the talks.
Industry participants are also watching whether other major chip consumers will place comparable orders. According to people briefed on the matter, one prominent graphics chip designer has been assessing whether Intel can manufacture a processor that effectively integrates four graphics dies into a single packaged unit. That company, however, has not moved forward with an order for the devices.
The announcement of the Google procurement corresponded with a strong market reaction for Intel shares, which rose more than 13% in premarket trading on Monday.
Additional related activity in the sector was noted earlier in the year when Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk indicated in April that his company intends to use Intel's next-generation 14A manufacturing process at its Terafab project. Musk characterized the Terafab initiative as an advanced AI chip complex located in Austin.
The developments reflect moves among large technology and automotive firms to secure advanced AI-capable silicon and to evaluate new chip packaging approaches. While one major buyer has committed to a multi-million unit order for 2028 production, other potential customers continue to examine Intel's technical proposals before placing orders.
Context and implications
- Supply commitments: The reported Google order represents a sizeable production commitment for AI accelerators slated for 2028.
- Competitive evaluation: Other firms are testing whether novel processor designs that combine multiple graphics dies into a single unit meet their requirements, but no additional orders have been confirmed by those parties.
- Market reaction: Intel's shares experienced a notable premarket gain in response to the reporting.
Note: The information above is based on accounts from people with direct knowledge of the discussions between the companies. Details are limited to what those sources have reported.