A report by The Information claims that the world’s biggest chipmaker is considering adding memory back into its portfolio, starting with next-generation 3D DRAM. With demand still outpacing supply and prices sky-high, the outlet says it could compete with memory giants Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix to develop and produce 3D DRAM technology that stacks chips vertically for increased bandwidth, capacity, and power efficiency. [Link: TSMC Weighs Making Advanced Memory Chips to Capture More AI Spending | https://www.theinformation.com/articles/tsmc-weighs-making-advanced-memory-chips-capture-ai-spending?rc=v4bmzs | The Information]
  • yesman@lemmy.worldEnglish
    821·
    2 days ago

    Yes, all computer parts should be made by one company on an internationally disputed island. What could go wrong?

    • tal@lemmy.todayEnglish
      57·
      2 days ago

      It’s an interesting strategy if you’re Taiwan.

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon_shield

      Silicon shield is the principle in geopolitical relations regarding Chinese unification that the semiconductor industry in Taiwan is important enough to global economic prosperity that it would deter an attempt by China to seize Taiwan by force, and if not would induce foreign powers, particularly the United States, to defend Taiwan in order to preserve the stability of the semiconductor supply chain.

      • luciferofastora@feddit.orgEnglish
        1·
        9 hours ago

        The risk I see with this is that the strategy rests on the assumption of states acting in rational self-interest. While this is generally a reasonable assumption to make, it has become abundantly clear that it’s not always true.

        Hypothetically, if China came under control of a megalomaniac willing to compromise Chinese interests and safety (or unwilling to consider that risk) for the sake of nationalist ambitions to “reclaim” Taiwan, things could get ugly. Would the US actually retaliate? Would it fight open war against a nuclear power headed by someone willing to cut their whole country’s nose to spite their face?

        Conversely, if the US came under control of a foreign asset (or useful idiot) willing to strike a deal with China for cheap access to the chips they need for their American Intelligence, selling out Taiwan in the process and probably getting fucked over in the process, it might allow them to entrench so deeply that even subsequent presidents would have a hard time dislodging them without, again, risking nuclear war.

        I don’t think either scenario is likely, but I also didn’t think the US would let Pedonald run for another term, let alone elect him, so maybe my judgement just sucks.

      • 3laws@lemmy.worldEnglish
        4·
        2 days ago

        This is the real answer. Taiwan could have 0 military & China would STILL second guess a forced re-annexation.

      • Horsey@lemmy.worldEnglish
        161·
        2 days ago

        Only for obsolete fab technologies for underpowered IOT chips. The fabs that make 2nm current generation chips are all in Taiwan.

    • megopie@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      1·
      2 days ago

      I mean, Intel also makes high end chips and they do most of that in the US. And it’s unlikely TSMC would run all the other memory producers out of business.