TECHNOLOGY
TSMC's 2nm Success: Why It's the Chip Industry's MVP
TaiwanTue Jun 17 2025
The chip industry has a clear leader, and it's not just because of fancy tech. TSMC, a company based in Taiwan, is crushing it with its 2nm chip production. The Taiwan Economic Daily spilled the beans that TSMC's 2nm yield is at 60%. This means that for every 100 chips they make, 60 of them are good to go. That's a big deal because it shows TSMC can make lots of high-quality chips quickly.
Now, let's talk about why this matters. Yield is like the report card for chipmakers. It tells you how many chips pass quality control. High yield means more chips are ready to sell, and that can drive down prices. Think of it like two bakeries. One can sell 60 out of 100 cookies, the other only 40. The first bakery can sell their cookies for less and still make the same money. That's the power of high yield.
TSMC's not just making chips; it's making chips for the big guns. Apple, Nvidia, AMD, Qualcomm, and MediaTek are all on TSMC's client list. These companies need lots of chips, and TSMC's high yield means it can deliver. Apple, Nvidia, and AMD have already booked spots for 2nm production. MediaTek is expected to join the party soon.
Samsung, TSMC's main rival, tried to get ahead with a new type of transistor called Gate-All-Around (GAA). These transistors are supposed to make chips better and more energy-efficient. Samsung started using GAA with its 3nm chips last year, but it didn't pay off. Now, TSMC is using GAA for its 2nm chips, which will make them 10% to 15% faster, use 25% to 30% less energy, and pack in 15% more transistors. That's a big upgrade.
TSMC's 2nm yield is so good that it's ready for mass production. This means TSMC can start churning out these chips in large numbers. That's great news for tech companies that need lots of high-quality chips. It's also bad news for Samsung, which is still playing catch-up.
The chip industry is always changing, but one thing is clear: TSMC is on top. Its high yield and advanced tech make it the go-to choice for top-tier tech companies. But will it stay on top? Only time will tell. For now, TSMC is the chip industry's MVP, and it's not even close.
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questions
How does TSMC's 60% yield at 2nm compare to industry standards for other foundries at similar nodes?
Are the reported yield rates manipulated to favor TSMC over its competitors?
How might Samsung Foundry improve its yield rates to compete more effectively with TSMC?
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