Samsung Ramps 1c DRAM Output to 200K WPM by 2025

According to Korean media reports, Samsung Electronics is accelerating its next-generation DRAM expansion to keep up with surging market demand. The company plans to boost monthly output of its 10nm-class sixth-generation 1c DRAM to 200,000 wafers by the end of next year—far higher than today's levels.

Samsung's roadmap shows that 1c DRAM capacity will first reach 60,000 wafers per month in Q4 this year, followed by an additional 80,000 wafers in Q2 next year. Another 60,000 wafers are scheduled to come online in Q4 2026, bringing total monthly capacity to 200,000 wafers. These milestones are tied to equipment installation timelines, with the goal of making each expansion stage production-ready as soon as tools are in place. Industry sources say Samsung is "strengthening 1c DRAM supply capacity ahead of next-gen market demand."

As Samsung's newest DRAM generation, 1c DRAM features sub-11nm line width and multiple EUV layers, marking a major step forward in its advanced memory roadmap. Once expanded, 1c DRAM is expected to account for roughly one-third of Samsung's total DRAM output (650,000–700,000 wafers per month), surpassing the company's record expansion peak in 2022.

The industry expects Samsung to complete this scale-up through process conversions on existing lines combined with new investments in the Pyeongtaek P4 fab. With AI pushing DRAM demand across the board, both HBM and conventional DRAM are tightening in supply—some customers are even placing orders for products that haven't entered production yet. After successfully developing 1c DRAM, Samsung is ramping up investment to secure stronger pricing power during the rising DRAM cycle.

It's also noteworthy that Samsung plans to manufacture HBM4 using 1c DRAM technology. This suggests a significant portion of the added 1c capacity may be allocated to next-generation HBM.

Recently, Samsung announced a five-year investment plan of 450 trillion KRW targeting advanced processes and capacity expansion. With AI driving long-term memory demand, the company aims to prepare ahead of market shifts. As 1c DRAM mass production scales up, Samsung is positioned to further grow its DRAM market share and narrow the gap with SK Hynix.