HBM 4，三星孤注一掷

Core Viewpoint - Samsung Electronics is accelerating the construction of its fifth factory in Pyeongtaek, which is expected to start full operations next month, following delays due to poor semiconductor performance and insufficient memory orders [2]. Group 1: Factory Construction and Production Plans - The fifth factory in Pyeongtaek will cover an area of 2.89 million square meters and is the largest semiconductor production base globally, consisting of six buildings [2]. - The factory will feature a 10nm sixth-generation (1c) DRAM production line, aimed at mass production of HBM4 DRAM for the sixth-generation products [2]. - The fourth factory's remaining production lines, which were also delayed, are preparing to resume operations, with vertical steel structure installation expected to begin next month [2]. Group 2: HBM Market Strategy - Samsung Electronics is undergoing a significant transformation in the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) market, focusing on mass production of HBM4 samples, with an output of approximately 10,000 wafers [4]. - The production of HBM4 is based on the 10nm sixth-generation (1c) DRAM, while competitors like SK Hynix and Micron are using the fifth-generation (HBM3E) with 10nm fifth-generation (1b) DRAM [4]. - Despite the initial lower yield due to the maturity of 1c DRAM, Samsung is leveraging its advanced EUV technology and production capacity to adopt the next-generation DRAM ahead of competitors [4]. Group 3: Pricing and Market Competition - Samsung is implementing a groundbreaking pricing strategy for HBM4, with production costs expected to rise significantly, leading to a 60-70% price increase compared to HBM3E [5]. - NVIDIA is negotiating with SK Hynix for HBM4 due to price disagreements, while Samsung is willing to accept a price premium of less than 20%, indicating a focus on market share over profit [6][7]. - The aggressive pricing strategy is reminiscent of past competitive tactics employed by Samsung during market downturns, raising questions about whether the company will repeat its previous "chicken game" strategy to maintain its market position [7].