Samsung clinches victory in 3nm chip race, anticipates substantial performance and energy savings
Samsung clinches victory in 3nm chip race, anticipates substantial performance and energy savings
Samsung has cruised past the 3nm threshold, outpacing TSMC, a crucial supplier for Apple, in the production of 3-nanometer chips. This feat positions Samsung to unveil the most avant-garde chips globally. Samsung claims that the enhanced fabrication method is 45% more power-efficient and boosts performance by 23% compared to the previous 5nm process.
This improvement is facilitated by a technique known as Gate-All-Around transistor architecture (GAA FET), an improved version of FinFET, on a surface that is 16% smaller than before. Samsung plans to utilize this technology for high-performance, low-power computing and expects mobile processors to follow suit. Furthermore, a second-generation 3nm process is predicted to decrease power consumption by 50% and enhance performance by 30% on a 35% smaller surface area.
Samsung GAAFET Image: Samsung
Samsung's early market entry solidifies its standing as a pioneering chip manufacturer. However, the Korean conglomerate should brace itself for a grueling battle against TSMC, the Taiwanese chip giant that dominates market share and manufactures chips for Apple's devices, as well as supplying wafers to companies like Nvidia and AMD. Current market statistics from Bloomberg reveal that TSMC accounts for over half of the global foundry business by revenue.
Siyoung Choi, president and chief of Samsung's foundry business, acknowledged the company's dedication to advanced technology development and innovations that expedite technology maturity.
Although a significant achievement in Samsung's evolution, the production of 3nm chips might not pose any immediate threat to TSMC within the next 12 months. The Korean tech titan must first demonstrate equal cost efficiency to draw potential customers for its chips, Bloomberg suggests.
Both Samsung and TSMC are contending for long-term deals with tech heavyweights like Apple and Qualcomm, eagerly awaiting mass production of 3nm chips that can improve existing products and pave the way for new technologies. Once production commences in South Korea at its Hwaseong facilities, Samsung will then expand to Pyeongtaek. The company is also planning to build a plant in Texas, potentially investing over $10 billion to manufacture 3nm chips.
While 3nm is an promising accomplishment, Samsung must maintain its momentum to overcome its most formidable competitor, who allegedly plans to begin high-volume production of 2nm technology in 2025, with chips hitting the market in 2026.
Samsung's advancement in 3nm technology sets the stage for a promising future in the tech industry, promising 45% power efficiency and 23% performance boost over the 5nm process. With this leap, Samsung is poised to lead in the production of cutting-edge chips.
The race between Samsung and TSMC in the realm of technology will undoubtedly shape the future of tech, as both companies are vying for long-term partnerships with tech giants like Apple and Qualcomm, aiming to revolutionize existing products and pave the way for new technologies.