The shortage of 28 nm production capacity is leading fabless chip companies to look for new sources to support their business.
A new report claims that both Nvidia and Qualcomm have approached other companies to produce their chips.
Nvidia, which previously relied on TSMC as a foundry, apparently has contracted Samsung to manufacture 28 nm GPUs while Qualcomm seems to have chosen United Microelectronics (UMC) and Globalfoundries as chip manufacturer, according to Digitimes.
Even if TSMC confirmed that it is ramping its 28 nm process, it is unlikely that the company will be able to match demand until the first quarter of 2013. Sources told Digitimes that 28 nm orders at TSMC jumped 5x between Q4 2011 and Q1 2012. TSMC announced that it is considering an increased investment in its production process to help ease the current supply-and-demand imbalance. Details about this plan are expect to be provided at an investors meeting on April 26.
a fab is a multibillion $ investment, you would probably end up in the red about 5-10billion before you churn out one chip.
for most companies who don't make obscene amounts of money, a 3rd party fab is the better option, because that IS there business, building and running the fab, where for you it would be a major part, but not the sole purpose of your business.
I also heard that nVidia might have contacted Intel.
If you want something done right, do it yourself, Nvidia.
Problem is, the very tool makers themselves arent sure they want to make such an investment.
As nodes get smaller, only the larger sellers ae using them from startup, and as seen in TSMCs production, their investments on 28nm may go up, but that also leaves the older processes at a loss.
They have commitments as well, and this isnt some evil conspiracy.
a fab is a multibillion $ investment, you would probably end up in the red about 5-10billion before you churn out one chip.
for most companies who don't make obscene amounts of money, a 3rd party fab is the better option, because that IS there business, building and running the fab, where for you it would be a major part, but not the sole purpose of your business.
Problem is their yield, not their intentional volume control. At this time, Samsung has the most efficient production technology/know-how/capacity required for the smallest nodes.
Wasnt money why TSMC skipped a shrink, and still they dont have 28nm up to production? If this is the case they are very behind and still falling. Would two fabs joining be able to help this? (TSMC/GF?) I know AMD Nvidia are only 2 of probably dozens of clients but this has been a growing issue from what I have seen.
I'd say let's throw out the kleenix boxes for the Apple fanboys.
Made my day. Yeah, Kepler's to die for!
I wonder if Apple would consider building/buying it's own fab? They certainly have the cash on hand to do so.