Stratechery Intel Honesty
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Sep 3, 2024 Dive into the fascinating evolution of Silicon Valley, spotlighting Fairchild Semiconductor and visionary innovators like William Shockley. Explore Intel's pivotal contributions, the predictions of Gordon Moore, and the company's struggles against rising competitors like AMD. Discover how Intel is at a crossroads, contemplating restructuring to stay relevant in a fast-changing semiconductor landscape. Finally, unpack the critical need for a robust domestic supply chain amid geopolitical tensions, emphasizing innovative solutions for future resilience.
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Fairchild Semiconductor's Origin
- William Shockley, transistor inventor, founded Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory in Mountain View in 1956.
- Eight employees, including Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore, left due to his management style and formed Fairchild Semiconductor.
Intel's Impact
- Intel, a Fairchild spin-off, shaped Silicon Valley through its compensation structure and Moore's Law.
- Moore's Law, predicting transistor growth, set the pace for tech innovation.
Intel's Decline
- Intel's decline began with its struggles in mobile and its resistance to adopting new technologies like EUV lithography.
- This allowed competitors like TSMC and AMD to gain a performance advantage.