Samsung Goes for 2nm GAA Tech Amid Big Foundry Problems
Samsung's chip-making part is facing big problems, like having to push the start of its Taylor plant to 2026 and delays with its 1.4nm tech. To fight this, the company has chosen a "pick and stick" plan, putting all its work into making its 2nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) tech better.
New Plan to Make 2nm Better
Samsung's bosses have told its chip part to focus on the 2nm tech more than others. The big task now is to lift the 2nm success rate to between 60-70 percent. This goal is key for selling to big clients and for making money.
This change in plan comes because market news says that big AI and tech buyers want to use 2nm tech for the next two to three years. They see things smaller than 2nm as too unsure right now. So, Samsung has put its 1.4nm plans aside to use its power where buyers want it most.
Race Against Time and Competitors
The company has set a strict six-month time limit to hit the 60-70 percent success rate. This rush is made bigger by news that its rival TSMC has hit 60% success with its 2nm tech.
Right now, Samsung's 2nm success is thought to be below 30 percent. Even though Samsung thinks it's doing better than before at this stage, getting to full-scale making in such a tight time is a big test.
Goals for Performance: Samsung's 2nm tech aims for a 12% better performance and 25% more power-saving than its 3nm tech.
Building Trust and Securing the Future
Putting everything on 2nm is very important for Samsung's chip-making area, which has been losing a lot of money. The company must win back trust from big clients like NVIDIA, AMD, and Broadcom after not hitting goals with its old 5nm and 3nm tech. Losing orders from Qualcomm for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 shows these issues.
How well the 2nm plan works will link to the future of the new Taylor, Texas, plant. Getting big orders is needed to stop the costly new place from making losses when it opens.
To help, Samsung recently brought in Margaret Hahn, an ex-TSMC and Intel leader, who knows a lot about US client ties, to help get deals with US Big Tech. Even with these troubles, Samsung is said to be talking with possible clients, like the Japanese AI firm PFN, about making 2nm chips.