TSMC weighs making 3D DRAM memory chips at Nvidia's request
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is exploring plans to manufacture advanced 3D DRAM memory chips following a request from Nvidia amid artificial intelligence-driven supply constraints, according to The Information.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. has begun drawing up plans to manufacture next-generation 3D DRAM at the request of Nvidia, its largest customer, according to reporting by The Information. The exploration comes as surging artificial intelligence demand strains global memory supplies, prompting major chip designers to seek alternative manufacturing sources.[1][2][3][4][7]
A push into advanced memory production would represent a significant shift for TSMC and place the contract chipmaker in direct competition with established memory leaders Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron. Unlike conventional DRAM, 3D DRAM vertically stacks memory cells to achieve higher density. To establish capacity, the company is weighing whether to construct new fabrication facilities or convert an existing site, potentially mirroring Micron's $1.8 billion facility acquisition and conversion in March.[1][4][6][8]
The memory effort is spearheaded by TSMC Vice President Hsu Kuo-chin, who heads advanced packaging and formerly ran Micron's Taiwan operations. The strategic initiative could complicate TSMC's 2024 partnership with SK Hynix on high-bandwidth memory for AI processors. No formal production schedule has been established, and TSMC maintains that its primary focus remains on its core logic foundry operations.[4][5]
Key facts
- TSMC is exploring entering 3D DRAM manufacturing at the request of top customer Nvidia amid AI-driven memory shortages, per The Information.
- Entering 3D DRAM production would pit TSMC directly against memory suppliers Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron.
- TSMC is considering either building new facilities or converting an existing plant to support potential memory production.
- The memory initiative is led by TSMC Vice President Hsu Kuo-chin, who formerly managed Micron's Taiwan operations.
- The move could complicate TSMC's 2024 partnership with SK Hynix regarding high-bandwidth memory for AI accelerators.
- No production timeline has been set, and TSMC states its focus remains on its core logic foundry business.
Sources · 5 sources
- TI
The Information@theinformationPost on X ·
TSMC is exploring plans to make advanced 3D memory chips at Nvidia’s request, according to people familiar with the matter. The move could put the chipmaking giant in direct competition with Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron. Read more: https://t.co/QNq1s63fiL
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Techmeme@TechmemePost on X ·
Sources: TSMC is considering expanding into manufacturing 3D DRAM at the request of Nvidia, its biggest customer, amid memory chip shortages (@qianerliu / The Information) (Visit Techmeme dot com for the link and full context!)
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Polymarket@PolymarketPost on X ·
JUST IN: Nvidia has reportedly asked TSMC to begin producing next-generation 3D DRAM memory chips amid a global AI memory shortage.
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Wall St Engine@wallstenginePost on X ·
TSMC WEIGHS MAKING 3D DRAM AT NVIDIA'S REQUEST $TSM has reportedly begun drawing up plans to manufacture advanced 3D DRAM chips as AI-driven memory shortages push chip designers to seek additional supply, per The Information. Unlike conventional DRAM, 3D DRAM stacks memory cells vertically to increase density. The move could put TSMC in direct competition with Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron. No production timeline has been set. TSMC is considering building new fabs or converting an existing facility, but says its focus remains on its core logic foundry business.
Open source - TI
The Information@theinformationPost on X ·
Exclusive: TSMC's memory push is led by Hsu Kuo-chin, a vice president who oversees advanced packaging and previously ran Micron's Taiwan operations. The effort could complicate TSMC's 2024 partnership with SK Hynix on high-bandwidth memory for AI processors. Full story: https://t.co/oM3eUSgBSw
Open source - TI
The Information@theinformationPost on X ·
Exclusive: TSMC is exploring production of 3D DRAM, a next-generation memory chip that would put it in competition with Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron. One option is buying an existing plant and converting it, as Micron did with a $1.8 billion purchase in March. Full story: https://t.co/oM3eUSgBSw
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TechmemeArticle ·
Sources: TSMC is considering expanding into manufacturing 3D DRAM at the request of Nvidia, its biggest customer, amid memory chip shortages due to the AI boom (Qianer Liu/The Information) Qianer Liu / The Information : Sources: TSMC is considering expanding into manufacturing 3D DRAM at the request of Nvidia, its biggest customer, amid memory chip shortages due to the AI boom — Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is considering expanding into the advanced memory chip manufacturing sector …
Open source - TI
The Information@theinformationPost on X ·
TSMC is exploring plans to make advanced 3D memory chips at Nvidia’s request, according to people familiar with the matter. The move could put the chipmaking giant in direct competition with Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron. Read more: https://t.co/QNq1s63fiL
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