Chip Talk > The Race for AI-Enhanced Memory: 1c DRAM Takes Center Stage
Published September 29, 2025
The dynamics of the semiconductor industry are constantly in flux, with various players vying for dominance in different sectors. Recently, a notable surge in momentum has been observed with global memory giants like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron as they make significant investments in next-generation DRAM technology. The focus is on the 1c (6th-generation 10nm-class) DRAM, presenting a potential game-changer for the artificial intelligence (AI) and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) markets.
Samsung Electronics has taken a formidable lead in the 1c DRAM race. The tech giant has been proactive in setting up mass production lines since early this year, as per an insightful report from SemiWiki. Their strategy encompasses not only building a new production facility at the Pyeongtaek Campus but also converting existing lines to ramp up their production capabilities. Samsung aims to integrate 1c DRAM into its HBM4, thereby cementing its status as an innovator in high-performance memory solutions.
Meanwhile, SK Hynix, another stalwart in the memory space, is methodically laying down its plans to introduce 1c DRAM into both general-purpose DRAM and advanced HBM4E (7th-generation HBM). According to industry reports, SK Hynix's conversion investments are likely to be initially concentrated in its M14 fab in Icheon, reallocating resources from older facilities towards the cutting-edge 1c production.
During their Q2 2025 earnings announcement, SK Hynix indicated active engagement in formulating a management plan geared toward 1c DRAM, with full execution anticipated in the coming year. Their approach underscores a strategic pivot to meet the burgeoning demand for high-value server memory crucial for AI and other data-intensive applications.
Adding to this technological arms race, Micron Technology has secured crucial financial backing from the Japanese government, enabling the establishment of a new 1c DRAM facility. This subsidy reflects the strategic importance of semiconductor manufacturing to national interests, reinforcing Micron's competitive edge in the global market.
With these formidable investments into 1c DRAM, the potential implications for AI and HBM markets are profound. As data processing becomes increasingly complex and data volumes expand, the need for faster, more efficient memory systems becomes critical. AI applications, in particular, require vast datasets and rapid processing speeds, directly benefiting from innovations like 1c DRAM.
Samsung's incorporation of 1c technology into its HBM4 lineup and SK Hynix's advancement towards HBM4E could significantly lower power consumption while enhancing data transfer rates, critical factors for AI workload efficiency.
Looking ahead, the semiconductor industry will likely see a ripple effect from these investments as other companies strive to catch up. The global demand for advanced memory solutions is only set to increase, driven by megatrends such as AI, big data analytics, and IoT. Players in the semiconductor space must harness these trends, aligning their strategies to technological advancements like 1c DRAM to maintain competitiveness.
These developments underscore a pivotal moment in semiconductor fabrication that could redefine data processing norms and potentially unlock new possibilities within AI and computing at large.
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