Samsung May Make AMD’s Next-Gen Chips Using 2nm Process

Samsung’s foundry business is finally gaining momentum as the 2nm chip era approaches. The company is currently in discussion with AMD to produce the GPU maker’s chips using the second-generation (SF2P) process. If successful, this will be a big win for the Korean firm as it competes with TSMC, the global leader in chip manufacturing.

Samsung’s 2nm tech could power AMD’s advanced CPUs

Samsung’s latest 3nm process failed to attract major clients due to low manufacturing yields and other factors. The company hopes that its next-generation 2nm process will help it bounce back in the market, and early signs suggest it is on the right track. In recent months, the firm has inked several deals for its cutting-edge node, including a massive $16.5 billion contract with Tesla to produce advanced chips.

Now, the potential deal with AMD could be another big step towards recovering its lost foundry businesses. According to Sedaily, Samsung and AMD plan to soon make prototype chips using the GPU maker’s designs. The company will use a multi-project wafer (MPW), which allows multiple companies to produce designs on a single wafer jointly. If the prototype chips meet AMD’s standards, the two companies may reach a contract around January 2026. The chip in question is expected to be AMD’s next-generation CPU.

For the uninitiated, Samsung’s 2nm process uses a Gate-All-Around (GAA) structure. A previous report revealed that the first-generation 2nm chips offer about 5% better performance and 8% higher energy efficiency compared to the previous 3nm generation. However, in the case of AMD, the outlet says Samsung will use the second-generation 2nm process, meaning a further boost in performance and a reduction in power consumption.

“With the volume of supply accumulating, TSMC is finding it difficult to accommodate additional volumes,” said an industry insider. “As TSMC’s production costs rise, the appeal of Samsung as an alternative foundry is increasing.” So, this could be one of the reasons why clients are increasingly turning to Samsung over TSMC.