Samsung lands orders for AMD's 4nm CPUs as chipmaker reportedly seeks to diversify production

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AMD's Prometheus to be made both by TSMC and Samsung.

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SamsungĀ FoundryĀ has landed an order fromĀ AMD to produceĀ processors based on its Zen 5c microarchitecture using its 4nm-class process technology, reportsĀ DigiTimes,Ā citing a report from South Korea-basedĀ Chosun Biz. If the information is accurate, the deal represents a major pivot in AMD's manufacturing strategy, as it means that it willĀ split productionĀ of upcoming CPUs between TSMC and Samsung Foundry.

The report from DigiTimes claims that AMD is set to produce Zen 5c-based 'Prometheus' at two contract semiconductor chipmakers: Samsung Foundry and TSMC. The former is reportedly projected to make 'basic' versions of Prometheus on one of its 4nm-class process technologies, whereas the latter is expected to manufacture 'more advanced' versions of Prometheus on a 3nm-class production node.

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If we assume that there is no smoke without fire and AMD will produce something at Samsung Foundry (e.g., I/O dies), this means that AMD is going away fromĀ its usualĀ tacticsĀ of only working with TSMCĀ on advanced nodes. This moveĀ can beĀ seen as an effort by AMD to reduce the risks associated with relying on a single supplier.Ā 

Samsung's role in producing these chips is a big deal for the company.Ā Although it is still unclear whether Samsung Foundry has indeed landed a major order from AMD, there is already chatterĀ in the industry that this partnership could lead to more opportunities for Samsung. IfĀ Samsung Foundry doesĀ well withĀ Zen 5c-basedĀ chips, AMD might consider using Samsung's 3nm-classĀ technologiesĀ for futureĀ products.Ā 

Anton Shilov
Anton Shilov
Contributing Writer
5 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Amdlova
    Intel forcing on tsmc will put amd on samsung nodes... But my fear is the idle power...
    Only future will tell.
    Reply
  • TechLurker
    I think it's worth trying for AMD. It would allow them to get familiar with Samsung's processes and see what works and what doesn't, and Samsung themselves can improve their processes thanks to having a larger order they can run through their fabs and refine down the line. It also gives AMD a second supplier, and improves their working relationship with Samsung (already partnered on integrating RDNA IP in the mobile space and improving efficiencies there).

    Given the "basic" variant rumor, my guess is that Samsung-made CPUs will probably be targeted at the entry to basic level market, where efficiency isn't as important for mass corporate orders or cheap, personal "I just need internet and word processing" desktops. TSMC's CPUs will remain for the high-end professional and enthusiast market, as well as the mid-range where some efficiency is important.
    Reply
  • Co BIY
    I am interested in how much "Fab flexibility" is created by the improvements in design and layout tools / software (EDA).

    Does the software make it much easier to "switch" between processes and nodes?

    Some coverage of the major EDA players (Cadence, Synopsys, Ansys, and Siemens) and how they view the future would be interesting.

    As far as the importance of AMD trying a Samsung node. Of course they are. Fab flexibility is one of their major structural advantages over at least one key competitor. If they were permanently wedded to TSMC then they would be in the same position as Intel in being tied to a single fab ecosystem. (Even Intel is actually diversified beyond their own production system)
    Reply
  • JamesJones44
    If Samsung's newer nodes are at least close to par with TSMC's there are good reasons to look at Samsung. Apple typically pays a lot of money to gain first access to TSMCs leading edge nodes which means others like AMD, Nvidia, etc. Have to get in line. AMD may not face that problem with Samsung at this juncture.
    Reply
  • usertests
    Amdlova said:
    Intel forcing on tsmc will put amd on samsung nodes... But my fear is the idle power...
    Only future will tell.
    AMD could make an APU or Zen 5c server chiplet on Samsung 4nm, clock it down a little, lower the prices relative to other products, and call it a day.
    Reply