By their own, these bits of news wouldn't mean much, but together...
AMD to Shift Some of its 4 nm CPU Silicon-fabrication to Samsung from TSMC
https://www.techpowerup.com/308065/amd-to-shift-some-of-its-4-nm-cpu-silicon-fabrication-to-samsung-from-tsmc
AMD has reportedly signed up with Samsung Electronics to shift some of its 4 nm processor silicon fabrication from TSMC. The apex Taiwan-based foundry is reportedly operating at capacity for its 4 nm-class nodes, with customers such as Apple and Qualcomm sourcing 4 nm mobile SoCs on the node, leaving AMD with limited allocation and/or bargaining power with TSMC. The company relies on 4 nm for its Ryzen 7040 series "Phoenix" mobile processors, and is in the process of adapting its design for Samsung's 4 nm-class nodes (of which there are five types for AMD to choose from).
Qualcomm Said to be Considering Samsung for 3 nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chips
https://www.techpowerup.com/308087/qualcomm-said-to-be-considering-samsung-for-3-nm-snapdragon-8-gen-4-chips
It appears it's not only AMD that is eyeing a move to Samsung, when it comes to fabricating upcoming chips, as reports are now suggesting that Qualcomm is considering a second attempt at making flagship mobile SoCs at Samsung's foundry. However, in this case, we're talking 3 nm chips in the shape of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, which is expected to launch in devices sometime in 2024. This is said to be Qualcomm's first chip based on cores built by Nuvia, a company that Qualcomm acquired in 2021.
Couple that with
Samsung Claims 60-70% Yields for its 3 nm Node
https://www.techpowerup.com/308034/samsung-claims-60-70-yields-for-its-3-nm-node
Samsung Electronics is engaged in stiff competition with TSMC for chip manufacturing orders for 3 nm, its first semiconductor foundry node to implement GAA-FET technology, after nearly a decade of FinFET-based nodes. SF3, a 3 nm GAA-FET node, enters mass-production later this year. Samsung is claiming wafer yields in the range of 60-70% in the development phases of the node. This number is crucial to attract customers as they base their wafer orders squarely on yields first, and cost-per-wafer next.
and
Global Semiconductor Sales Decreased 8.7% in the First Quarter
https://www.techpowerup.com/308083/global-semiconductor-sales-decreased-8-7-in-the-first-quarter
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) today announced worldwide sales of semiconductors totaled $119.5 billion during the first quarter of 2023, a decrease of 8.7% compared to the fourth quarter of 2022 and 21.3% less than the first quarter of 2022. Sales for the month of March 2023 increased 0.3% compared to February 2023. Monthly sales are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization and represent a three-month moving average. SIA represents 99% of the U.S. semiconductor industry by revenue and nearly two-thirds of non-U.S. chip firms.
And the result is that TSMC may find itself in a position where it can no longer ask whatever price they want to charge for to those who want to use their fabs, and may actually be forced to compete to attract clients.
It will also be interesting to see how differently do the AMD processors made at different fabs behave.
Please excuse my bad English.
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