Intel has announced that its 14nm Broadwell SoC for desktops and notebooks will be delayed to Q1 2014 due to some problems in the manufacturing process that could limit Intel to ship enough volume of functioning chips.

During the Intel Q3 earnings call, Intel's CEO Brian Krzanich noted that the delay is a result of "defect density issue" that would limit Intel to ship enough volume so they had to focus on fixing the fab process before proceding to production. As you remember, Intel planned to start the production of the 14nm Broadwell SoCs in Q4 2013 but now it appears that we will see it later in Q1 2014.

According to Krzanich, fixes are already in place and all should go well as there will be no further delays. "We have confidence the problem is fixed because we have data it is fixed," Krzanich said. "This happens sometimes in development phases like this. That's why we moved it a quarter."

Krzanich also noted that the Broadwell delay will have no effect on Skylake, Broadwell successor. Since Skylake is pretty much based on a new architecture, the current delay of Broadwell will only shorten its own life span rather than have an effect on the launch of Skylake.

As you remember, Intel also plans to release 14nm Airmont chips for tablets and smartphone next year and it certainly needs the 14nm manufacturing process in its best state.

Source: CNET.com.