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Indistinguishable From Magic: Manufacturing Modern Computer Chips

Andor Gafotas · talk · Watch on YouTube

Semiconductors & chip manufacturingHacker culture & free software

What it is

A HOPE09 talk on how modern computer chips are manufactured, from 22nm transistors to ultra-clean fabs and the tricks used to pattern tiny features with light. It frames chipmaking as hacking electrical engineering and physics.

Why Hacker News recommends it

HN repeatedly calls it the best in-depth introduction to IC manufacturing, a sense-of-awe talk by an independent engineer, while wishing for an updated version.

  • 19 people recommended it
  • 18 different months
  • 8 strong recommendations
  • first 2016, last 2024

What HN commenters said

  1. “I very much recommend everyone to watch this video, to get a sense for the complexity that goes into producing a modern CPU.”

    Shows the complexity of producing a modern CPU, with a chip cross-section.

    cnvogel, 2016-09 · Strong recommendation · in “Xerox Alto Restoration Part 5 [video]”

  2. “This talk on YouTube is the most in depth explanation of IC manufacuring I have seen. I highly recommend it to anyone, no matter their background.”

    In-depth explanation of IC manufacturing, still mostly applicable despite age

    ahakki, 2018-06 · Strong recommendation · in “Ask HN: How modern chips are made?”

  3. “it's one of the best videos available on how chips are actually built and gives a great overview”

    Great overview of how chips are actually built

    manigandham, 2018-08 · Strong recommendation · in “GlobalFoundries Stops All 7nm Development”

  4. “This talk is delivered really well and always leaves me with a sense of awe in how CRAZY it is that humans figured out integrated circuits.”

    Well-delivered talk on integrated circuits, explains Intel's process node difficulties

    Qub3d, 2018-10 · Strong recommendation · in “Ask HN: What are some of the best technical talks you've heard?”

  5. “Best resource I have run in to about this is this talk”

    Introduces the hacks used to get tiny features on silicon

    sl-1, 2019-12 · Strong recommendation · in “Intel’s Manufacturing Roadmap from 2019 to 2029”

  6. “My favourite video on them is this one from many years ago, it’s a presentation by an engineer not being paid by a fab”

    Independent engineer presentation on fabs, better than corporate ad video

    olliej, 2020-03 · Strong recommendation · in “Intel Video Shows How It Makes a 10nm Processor”

  7. “but entire video is amazing”

    Entire talk is amazing for those who find the topic cool

    TrainedMonkey, 2020-04 · Strong recommendation · in “To make a perfect mirror, physicists confront the mystery of glass”

  8. “If you haven't watched this video, I highly recommend it”

    Comprehensive look at how nuts the chip business is

    gary_0, 2024-07 · Strong recommendation · in “Standard cells: Looking at individual gates in the Pentium processor”

Excerpts from Hacker News comments, linked to the originals. Summaries and labels were written by a language model from those comments.

Topics: chip fabrication, lithography, semiconductors, hope conference, transistors

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