下一代DRAM争霸赛打响

Core Viewpoint - The global storage chip industry is witnessing a competitive battle in the 10nm sixth-generation DRAM sector, with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix adopting contrasting strategies to regain market leadership [2][3]. Group 1: Company Strategies - Samsung is rapidly investing in new production facilities to recover from previous product setbacks, aiming to start mass production of 1c DRAM three to four months ahead of SK Hynix [2][3]. - SK Hynix is delaying large-scale expenditures until securing supply commitments from major clients like Nvidia, focusing on profitability before further investments [2][4]. - Samsung plans to utilize 1c DRAM in its HBM4 products, while SK Hynix will use the previous generation 1b DRAM for the same category [3][4]. Group 2: Market Position and Competition - Analysts predict that if Samsung successfully supplies Nvidia with the new DRAM, it could reclaim its market leadership lost for nearly 30 years [2][3]. - As of Q1 2025, SK Hynix is projected to hold a 36.9% share of the DRAM market, surpassing Samsung's 38.6% share, indicating a shift in competitive dynamics [3]. Group 3: Technological Developments - SK Hynix is implementing six layers of EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) lithography technology in its 1c DRAM, a significant increase from the previous generation [5][6]. - The company is also developing high numerical aperture (High-NA) EUV technology, which poses challenges in mask development due to the complexity of the process [6][7].