AMD reportedly looks to Samsung 2nm chips as TSMC supply stays tight

AMD is reportedly in advanced talks with Samsung to use its 2nm process technology for future AI focused chips.

The move would give AMD another manufacturing option at a time when advanced wafer supply is under heavy pressure. AMD currently depends strongly on TSMC for its most advanced CPUs and GPUs, but demand for AI hardware has made leading edge chip capacity harder to secure.

The talks are said to focus on AMD’s future 2nm chips. Samsung’s foundry division has reportedly been discussing possible orders after AMD CEO Lisa Su visited Samsung’s Pyeongtaek foundry plant in March.

AMD is expected to use advanced 2nm production for next generation chips such as Venice and Verano. Venice is expected to be a Zen 6 server CPU focused on compute performance, while Verano is described as a variant aimed at agentic AI workloads such as inference.

TSMC is still central to AMD’s plans. AMD has already confirmed that its Venice CCD is the first product built on TSMC’s N2 nanosheet process. That means Samsung would likely act as an additional source of supply rather than a full replacement for TSMC.

That distinction matters. TSMC’s 2nm capacity is reportedly booked far ahead, while Samsung is trying to position itself as a stronger alternative for companies that need more advanced chip supply. Samsung is also expected to produce future Tesla AI chips alongside TSMC, which could help build confidence in its foundry business.

Samsung still has work to do. Reports suggest its 2nm gate all around process has not yet matched TSMC in yield. Even so, a major AMD order would be an important win and could make other chip companies more willing to consider Samsung for advanced manufacturing.

The wider message is clear. AI demand is putting pressure on every part of the semiconductor supply chain. AMD, Tesla, and other major companies are looking for more foundry options because relying on one supplier is becoming risky when demand keeps rising.

For AMD, a Samsung deal could help secure more capacity for future AI CPUs and accelerators. For Samsung, it could be a chance to prove that its 2nm technology is ready for some of the most demanding chips in the market.