Core Viewpoint - The competition between TSMC and Samsung in the production of advanced 2nm chips is intensifying, with TSMC currently having a higher yield rate, which poses a challenge for Samsung in attracting orders [1][2][3]. Group 1: TSMC's 2nm Progress - TSMC has begun receiving orders for its 2nm process and is expected to start production in H2 2023 at its facilities in Hsinchu and Kaohsiung [1][3]. - The 2nm process utilizes Gate-All-Around (GAA) architecture, which is anticipated to improve performance by 10% to 15% and reduce power consumption by 25% to 30% compared to the 3nm process [1][3]. - Major clients for TSMC's 2nm chips include Apple, Nvidia, AMD, Qualcomm, and MediaTek, with MediaTek's CEO hinting at a product design completion by September 2023 [1][3]. Group 2: Samsung's 2nm Challenges - Samsung aims to start producing 2nm chips in H2 2023, likely for its upcoming Galaxy S26 flagship device, but its yield rate is reportedly around 40%, significantly lower than TSMC's 60% [2][3]. - Samsung is leveraging its previous experience with GAA architecture to improve its 2nm yield rates and attract orders from major tech companies [2]. Group 3: Production Capacity and Future Plans - TSMC's 2nm process is entering trial production, with plans to ramp up to a monthly capacity of 30,000 wafers by Q4 2025, and potentially expand to 120,000 to 130,000 wafers per month by 2027 [4]. - TSMC is investing over 1.5 trillion NTD to expand its facilities in Hsinchu and Kaohsiung, aiming to create the world's largest semiconductor manufacturing hub [4].

Core Insights - TSMC and Samsung are set to produce the industry's most advanced 2nm chips in the second half of this year, leading to intensified competition for orders [1] - TSMC has already begun receiving 2nm orders and is expected to produce them at its Hsinchu and Kaohsiung facilities, utilizing GAA architecture for the first time, which is projected to enhance performance by 10% to 15% and reduce power consumption by 25% to 30% [1] - TSMC's 2nm clients include major companies such as Apple, Nvidia, AMD, Qualcomm, and MediaTek, with MediaTek's CEO hinting at a product design completion by September [1] - Samsung aims to start 2nm chip production in the second half of the year, likely for its new Galaxy S26 flagship device, but its yield rate is reportedly lower than TSMC's [1] - TSMC's 2nm yield has surpassed 60%, while Samsung's yield is around 40%, posing a challenge for Samsung in attracting orders from tech giants [1][2] Company Strategies - Samsung, despite being the first to produce 3nm chips using GAA architecture, has faced challenges with low yield rates and is now focusing on improving its 2nm yield based on previous experiences [2] - To enhance its competitive edge in advanced processes, Samsung has recruited Margaret Han, a former TSMC employee, to lead its foundry division [2]