Samsung Pre-Emptively Positions for Surging HBM Demand, Plans to Convert and Expand NRD-K2 Production Line for cHBM and HBM5 Base Chips.

Analyst Jukan, citing South Korean media, said Samsung Electronics is considering converting Line 2 of its next-generation semiconductor R&D campus NRD-K in Giheung from R&D use to a foundry production line, to expand 2nm capacity and specifically manufacture 2nm base chips for HBM, targeting cHBM and HBM5 demand from clients including NVIDIA. The line is expected to launch in H2 2028, operating in Send Fab mode: it will receive wafers from other mass production lines and only perform auxiliary foundry services for specific process steps. NRD-K is Samsung’s most advanced complex R&D campus, built with an investment of around 20 trillion won, with three production lines planned in total; Line 1 was completed at the end of 2024. This adjustment comes as Samsung moves to pre-empt the surge in HBM demand driven by AI infrastructure. By prioritizing 2nm process technology for custom HBM and HBM5, Samsung aims to maintain an edge in performance competition for advanced packaging base chips. Industry observers note the line is small in scale and suited for the Send Fab role, but with roughly two years remaining before its launch, its final purpose could adjust according to market changes, and equipment procurement orders have not yet been officially placed. Previously, the line was considered for DRAM mass production, but DRAM capacity has now been further consolidated in Samsung’s Pyeongtaek campus. This production line adjustment by Samsung further confirms the trend of customization and advanced process adoption for HBM base chips.