AMD Drops Samsung for TSMC: EPYC Chips Made in Arizona

TSMC's advanced semiconductor facility in Arizona has secured another major order. According to a report by tech media outlet Wccftech, AMD is transferring production of its EPYC server processors—originally manufactured by Samsung—to TSMC's U.S.-based fab, utilizing the 4nm process technology. This move highlights the increasing challenges faced by Samsung's foundry business.

The Arizona fab has rapidly become a key site for high-performance chip manufacturing. Industry leaders including Apple and NVIDIA have already confirmed plans to use this facility. AMD has now joined the list, producing its fifth-generation EPYC server processors there. The upcoming sixth-generation processors, set to launch next year, will be built using TSMC's cutting-edge 2nm process, making AMD the first high-performance computing (HPC) client for this next-generation node.

AMD, like many chipmakers, follows a multi-foundry sourcing strategy, previously relying on both TSMC and Samsung for chip production. However, informed sources indicate that AMD has decided to halt use of Samsung's SF4X process, opting instead for production at TSMC's Arizona site. While the exact reason for the shift has not been officially disclosed, industry watchers suggest Samsung's slower foundry momentum and the strategic advantages of TSMC's U.S. operations may have influenced the decision.

Previously, AMD was reportedly working closely with Samsung on several fronts—including EPYC server CPUs, Ryzen APUs, and Radeon GPUs. It remains unclear whether the transition away from Samsung will impact only the EPYC line or extend to other product categories as well. For Samsung, currently striving to strengthen its position in the semiconductor sector, the loss of a key partner such as AMD presents a notable setback.

Meanwhile, AMD has also tapped TSMC for 2nm production of its “Venice” server CPUs and continues to ramp up manufacturing for its Ryzen 9000 series consumer CPUs. According to Wccftech, AMD's early access to TSMC's 2nm technology suggests a deepening strategic collaboration between the two companies.