An analysis by TechInsights, reported by Korea JoongAng Daily and checked against company filings, shows a stark divergence in how the leading chipmakers allocated cash to research and development in 2024. Intel´s R&D bill for the year was substantially larger than its main competitors, amounting to 28% more than Nvidia and 156% more than AMD, according to the article´s comparisons of each firm’s published results. exact headline dollar figures were not recoverable from the article text and are marked as Not stated.
When measured as a share of revenue the picture shifts. Intel spent 31% of its net revenue on research and development in 2024, while AMD allocated 26%. Nvidia and Samsung recorded much smaller shares at 10% and 4% respectively. Nvidia´s lower percentage reflects exceptionally strong revenue driven by its Artificial Intelligence products, which inflated the denominator and made its R&D share appear modest despite large absolute spending. Samsung, the nearest non-US company on the list, placed third by absolute outlay but the specific amount cited in the article is Not stated.
The article notes business and strategic differences behind the numbers. AMD focuses more on design and software rather than wafer fabrication, so its R&D spending largely targets CPUs, GPUs and supporting software. Intel’s outlays cover a broader product and manufacturing portfolio, including process node development such as its 18A efforts and the Nova Lake platform. Intel has also been trimming operations, dropping large projects and cutting jobs as part of wider cost control measures, and the piece suggests new leadership under CEO Lip-Bu Tan may look to reduce R&D spending in future years.
Looking ahead, the article suggests Nvidia could top the R&D table by the end of 2025 because it has ample cash and will defend its position in the Artificial Intelligence market, while Intel and AMD face more constrained revenue dynamics that limit how much they can increase research investment.
