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].

Core Viewpoint - SK Hynix has surpassed Samsung Electronics to become the leading DRAM manufacturer in the first quarter of 2023, marking a significant shift in market leadership [1][2]. Market Share Analysis - In Q1 2023, SK Hynix achieved a DRAM market sales revenue of $9.72 billion, capturing a market share of 36%, while Samsung Electronics held a 33.7% share and Micron had 24.3% [1]. - The market share of SK Hynix slightly decreased from 36.6% in Q4 2022, while Samsung's share dropped significantly from 39.3% [1][2]. - In Q1 2022, Samsung's market share was 43.9% compared to SK Hynix's 31.1%, indicating a rapid narrowing of the gap over the past year [2]. Product Development and Strategy - The shift in market dynamics is attributed to the increased shipment of high-value products like HBM3E by SK Hynix, while Samsung faced challenges in selling HBM products to China, leading to a decline in HBM3E shipments [2]. - SK Hynix is currently the exclusive supplier of NVIDIA's fifth-generation HBM3E and has provided samples of the next-generation HBM4 [2]. - Samsung is implementing a strategy to regain competitiveness in the HBM sector by reducing production of older HBM models and focusing on the latest products, particularly HBM4 [3]. Market Outlook - The global DRAM market sales in Q1 2023 decreased by 5.5% to $27.01 billion due to falling contract prices and reduced HBM shipments [3]. - TrendForce predicts a recovery in the DRAM market in Q2 2023 as PC and smartphone manufacturers adjust inventory and increase production [4].