Intel Now Purchases Two Units of ASML's High-NA Equipment, Focusing On Next-Gen Nodes
ASML’s High-NA equipment is often described as the holy grail of chipmaking, not only because of its staggering price but also because of its unmatched lithography precision. Now, according to an analysis shared by Jerry Capital on X, Intel is reportedly doubling down by acquiring two High-NA EUV machines from ASML, up from an initial order of just one unit. This signals that Team Blue is ramping up its investments in next-generation nodes.
"We raise our CY27E low-NA EUV units from 52 to 56 driven by 2 additional units for Intel (5 vs 3) and 2 additional units for Samsung (7 vs 5). We also raise our CY27E high- NA units from 8 to 10 with Intel increased from 1 to 2 and SK Hynix increased from 1 to 2." $ASML pic.twitter.com/yygwDnjwv9
— Jerry Capital (@JerryCap) September 23, 2025
Intel’s upcoming 14A process is confirmed to feature High-NA lithography, which the company views as a make-or-break release for its foundry business. Executives have previously stated that if 14A fails to secure significant customer adoption, Intel could effectively exit the race for cutting-edge nodes. This raises the stakes considerably, with 14A shaping up to be a do-or-die moment for Intel Foundry Services (IFS).
ASML’s High-NA EUV equipment is already being adopted by major players such as TSMC, Samsung, SK Hynix, and Intel. It is expected to underpin the most advanced chips of the coming decade, supporting higher transistor density and extending Moore’s Law further. A single High-NA EUV unit is estimated to cost around $370 million, meaning Intel’s purchase of two could easily surpass $1 billion to $2 billion in lithography equipment expenditures.
In earlier reports, it was suggested that ASML would be shipping a large share of its initial High-NA machines directly to Intel, making the company one of the dominant early adopters of this advanced technology. With Intel staking much of its future on 18A and 14A, its capital expenditure in lithography will grow substantially as it seeks to deliver competitive processes and reinforce U.S. semiconductor independence.
It remains to be seen whether Intel can successfully execute on both 18A and 14A, but these nodes will ultimately decide the sustainability of the company’s foundry division and its role in the broader geopolitical competition over advanced chipmaking.
Do you think Intel’s bold bet on High-NA EUV will pay off, or will TSMC and Samsung maintain their dominance at the cutting edge?
