Intel to use 450mm wafers in 2008

Intel said it will start using the 45nm process by the end of 2007 and that it will start production of 450mm wafers in 2008.

Gargini, speaking here at the Intel Developer Forum, said that discussions in the semiconductor industry on the larger wafer sizes would start to be planned during 2006 and 2007, with some activities beginning in 2008. However, he said that only 25 per cent of the semiconductor has moved to 12-inch, despite its introduction in 2001.

For the 45 nanometre process shrink, Intel will have already selected the equipment and made its planning decisions by the middle of this year. For the smaller 32 nanometre size, Intel has until the end of 2007 to make its final decisions.

More details over at The Register.