Tag: TSMC 3nm N3E

  • MediaTek to Launch Dimensity 9400 with AI Focus in October

    MediaTek to Launch Dimensity 9400 with AI Focus in October

    MediaTek is focusing on improving the power consumption and efficiency of its SoC (system on a chip) using advanced technology and TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process node. CEO Cai Lixing announced that the Dimensity 9400 flagship chipset will be introduced in October.

    Enhanced AI Performance

    The Dimensity 9400 is expected to deliver 40% better AI performance compared to its predecessor. The company claims that this new chipset can manage most on-device large language models available in the market. Additionally, the CEO is confident that the revenue generated from this chipset will lead to a 50% year-over-year revenue growth.

    This information was revealed during a press conference held on July 31st. The Dimensity 9400 is set to offer 40% improved AI performance over the Dimensity 9300, which has an AI performance rated at 48 TOPS. According to the CEO, MediaTek is at the forefront of NPU (neural processing unit) performance in flagship SoCs. However, he also noted that the average selling price (ASP) of phones featuring this flagship chip will be higher compared to the previous year.

    CPU Core Configuration

    Rumors suggest that the Dimensity 9400 will not include power-efficient cores, similar to its predecessor. The new chip is expected to use ARM’s BlackHawk CPU architecture and rely solely on performance cores to achieve outstanding single-core and multi-core performance. Additionally, it is rumored that the Dimensity 9400 will have the largest die ever, measuring 150mm² and consisting of 30 billion transistors. Nevertheless, real-life test data will be necessary to accurately assess the chip’s performance capabilities.

    Collaboration with Nvidia

    MediaTek and Nvidia are also working together on automotive chips, with the first product anticipated to launch in early 2025. In this collaboration, Nvidia will provide the GPU while MediaTek will contribute the CPU and ISP. CEO Cai Lixing expects significant advancements in the automotive sector from 2027 to 2028 due to this collaboration.

    Tags: , ,
  • TSMC Hits Trillion-Dollar Valuation, Boosted by AI Revolution

    TSMC Hits Trillion-Dollar Valuation, Boosted by AI Revolution

    The rise of artificial intelligence is significantly impacting Wall Street, evidenced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) recently achieving the remarkable milestone of joining the elite trillion-dollar market capitalization club. This achievement places TSMC among the world’s top technology firms and underscores the increasing significance of the semiconductor industry.

    TSMC’s Market Surge

    TSMC’s market capitalization briefly exceeded that of Tesla, making it the seventh most valuable tech company globally. The company’s shares have seen a notable increase, trading above the 50-day moving average of $158.00 and hitting a new 52-week high of $192.80. Year-to-date, TSMC shares have surged nearly 80%.

    Growth of the Semiconductor Industry

    The semiconductor industry has risen to prominence, driven by the growing demand for chips used in AI technologies. Global semiconductor sales are forecasted to reach $611.2 billion in 2024, with a projected 16% sales increase for that year, followed by a 12.5% increase in 2025. This surge in demand is primarily due to advancements in generative AI, which require advanced and powerful chips.

    The U.S. government has acknowledged the vital role of semiconductors in the contemporary economy, providing significant financial support to boost domestic chip production. The Biden administration has allocated tens of billions of dollars for building chip factories in the U.S., aiming to enhance technological infrastructure and lessen dependence on foreign manufacturers.

    Analyst Insights and Investor Considerations

    Analysts have revised their price targets for TSMC ahead of its second-quarter earnings report, with Morgan Stanley predicting an increase in TSMC’s full-year sales forecast. TSMC’s effective “hunger marketing” strategy indicates tight foundry supply in 2025, encouraging customers to recognize the company's value. The expected rise in wafer prices due to AI advancements further bolsters TSMC’s position. For investors, key factors to consider include revenue growth, profitability, and valuation relative to peers.

    The AI boom is transforming Wall Street, with TSMC’s entry into the trillion-dollar club marking a significant milestone. The growth of the semiconductor industry, driven by AI demand, underscores the crucial role of companies like TSMC and Nvidia in the global market.

    Tags: , ,
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 to Cost 30% More Than Gen 3, Up to $240

    Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 to Cost 30% More Than Gen 3, Up to $240

    The upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Soc from Qualcomm has been a topic of much speculation, particularly regarding its pricing. According to tipster Yogesh Brar, the new chipset is expected to be more expensive than its predecessor. Reports suggest the new chipset will cost between $220 and $240, marking a price hike of 25% to 30% over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The official unveiling of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is set for the Snapdragon Summit in October this year, with models expected to be available by 2025.

    New Manufacturing Process

    Rumors indicate that Qualcomm will employ the TSMC 3nm N3E process for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. The ARM core from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will be replaced by Qualcomm’s self-developed Oryon core. This switch to the Oryon core is believed to be a significant factor contributing to the higher price of the new chipset. The current price range for the third-generation Snapdragon 8 chipset is between $190 and $200. Previous rumors have suggested that Qualcomm is redesigning the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor to achieve a new target frequency of 4.26GHz. This enhancement is allegedly aimed at competing with Apple’s M4/A18/Pro processors and seems to justify the rumored price increase.

    Awaiting Official Confirmation

    As of now, Qualcomm has not released an official statement confirming the quality of the rumored changes or the pricing of the next-gen Snapdragon 8 chipset. More details about the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor are expected to emerge as we approach the October unveiling.

    Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 to Cost 30% More Than Gen 3, Up to 0
    Tags: , ,