In the realm of computer chips, bigger numbers are often better. More cores, higher GHz, greater FLOPs. But there's one metric where smaller is better. Enter the world of semiconductors and process nodes.
Forward-looking: Taiwanese giant TSMC has officially confirmed it will build an additional fab for chip manufacturing in the US. The Arizona site will grow, the investment will skyrocket and the number of newly-created jobs will make politicians very, very happy.
In context: Samsung will use its most advanced manufacturing process to make chips for four well-known technology companies. The race to overtake TSMC as the world's largest chip foundry is on, while geopolitical conflicts are tearing the old economic balance apart.
Forward-looking: TSMC is planning a second manufacturing plant in Arizona, a move that will bring the upcoming 3nm manufacturing process to the US. The facility could allow Apple to start making iPhones in the US but prices would go up. A lot.
The big picture: It's been an eventful few months in the processing industry, with tech companies releasing new products left and right. The influx of devices isn't stopping, as TSMC has plans to relocate 3nm development to the United States, and that's not the only news.
Forward-looking: During Samsung's Foundry Forum 2022, the company revealed a roadmap for processor sizes within various Samsung devices. Samsung Foundry's presentation went in-depth regarding the next five years of the roadmap, giving enthusiasts a glimpse into the near future of mobile computing.
Something to look forward to: As the new Ryzen 7000 series processors reach store shelves, with RDNA 3 right behind it, AMD has fully adopted 5nm processors for their products. However, the company doesn't plan on staying at 5nm for long. Team Red intends to meet with TSMC to negotiate future 2nm and 3nm chip supplies.