Intel CEO Eyes A Return To Memory; Hints At Memory-CPU Architecture

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan has expressed interest in exploring new memory architectures, describing it as one of his "pet projects." He hinted at the possibility of stacking memory with CPUs, suggesting that the two components could work together in a novel architecture. Tan previously viewed memory as a commodity business, but the growing demand driven by AI has changed his perspective.

Intel's CEO noted that they are currently not ready to reveal specifics about the project, but he recently hired Seok-Hee Lee, former CEO of SK Hynix, as executive vice president of Intel Foundry. Tan also briefly mentioned stacking memory with CPUs as a promising concept, expressing enthusiasm for the potential of new memory innovations.

Intel has previously attempted to re-enter the memory business with NAND and Optane, both of which were eventually abandoned. However, recent developments suggest that being part of the memory business could be highly profitable, but the company's investors have yet to react to this potential move.