[News] Samsung Reportedly Expands 1c DRAM Capacity for HBM4, Targeting 60K Wafers Monthly in 2025

According to ZDNet, Samsung Electronics is ramping up efforts to secure production capacity for 1c DRAM as it aims to take an early lead in HBM4. Industry sources say the company plans to complete equipment investments for 1c DRAM at its Pyeongtaek Campus 4 (P4) by the first half of next year.

Samsung’s P4 Equipment Investments Center on 1c DRAM

The report highlights that P4, one of Samsung’s most advanced fabs, is divided into four phases. Equipment investments are complete for ph1, a hybrid NAND-DRAM line, and for ph3, dedicated to DRAM, while DRAM-related work at ph4 is also in progress. All of these lines, the report notes, will focus on mass production of 1c DRAM.

As for ph2, sources cited in the report expect it will also be designated as a DRAM production line, though its final use has not been confirmed. The report adds that cleanroom construction—typically the step before production equipment is installed—is expected to begin by late this year or early next.

Samsung’s Investment Push Could Lift 1c DRAM Output to 60,000 Wafers Monthly

Alongside its investments in P4, Samsung is also reportedly preparing conversion investments for 1c DRAM at its Hwaseong Line 17. Factoring this in, the report highlights that Samsung’s 1c DRAM production capacity could rise to around 60,000 wafers per month this year.

The report further notes that 1c DRAM, Samsung’s newest generation, is slated for mass production in the second half of 2025 and will be used in HBM4, scheduled for full commercialization in 2026. By contrast, with demand for NAND and foundry expansion less certain, those areas have reportedly been pushed back in the company’s investment plans.

Samsung Reportedly Lags Rivals in HBM4 Testing

While Samsung has been aggressively investing in 1c DRAM capacity for HBM4, it appears to be trailing rivals in the HBM4 race. According to Chosun Biz, SK hynix and Micron are reportedly entering the final stage of HBM4 testing with NVIDIA this month. SK hynix is also expected to finalize pricing and may secure a supply deal with NVIDIA as early as this month. Meanwhile, Samsung is said to be about two months behind its competitors in testing and is working intensively to accelerate its timeline, the report notes.

Read more

• [News] SK hynix May Secure NVIDIA HBM4 Deal by Sep., Samsung Reportedly Trails in Testing
• [News] Memory Giants Diverge on HBM Base Die: Micron Reportedly Delays Foundry Shift, Risks Losing Edge

(Photo credit: Samsung)