TSMC 40nm yield issues to hamper new GPU production

Robert Hallock (Thrax) Foundry output on new GPUs drops by 40%.

October 30, 2009 11:25 AM ET in News, , , , , , ,

Digitimes is reporting that the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSMC) is once again experiencing yield issues on the 40nm process node.

TSMC said it has seen yield rates for its 40nm node drop to 40% due chamber matching issues. Main customers for TSMC’s 40nm processes are GPU vendors AMD, which recently launched its new 40nm-based Radeon 5870 series, and Nvidia, who is scheduled to launch its 40nm-based GT300 series of chips in December, according to previous reports. TSMC’s recent issues may impact the shipping schedules of the GPU vendors, market watchers commented.

In addition to shipping schedules, the standing MSRPs of 40nm GPUs may also be compromised. Indeed, rumors have already begun to churn that the Radeon HD 5850’s price will soon increase as demand continues to outstrip supply.

11 Comments:

  1. pigflipper
    30 Oct '09, 3:29 pm

    The HD5850 has already gone from $260-280 to $270-290, just in the past few days.

  2. Thrax
    30 Oct '09, 3:41 pm

    Just on some of them. The Asus model was briefly available for $251 on Wednesday.

  3. pigflipper
    30 Oct '09, 4:28 pm

    Now the Asus model is listed for $279.99 on Newegg, if you can get one.

  4. Cliff_Forster
    30 Oct '09, 8:45 pm

    Now if your squeezed on the 5850's you can pick up a pair of 5750's and crossfire them for about $260 total. Long term probably not the best solution for a hard core gamer, but if your the type that you can easily mix and match hardware on other systems, or sell it down the road it can be a good option for scratching the DX11 itch today.

  5. MathieuB
    30 Oct '09, 10:31 pm

    That would explain the lack of Radeon 5850 and 5870. That's too bad for AMD though, they launched great cards with a great pricing, but are plagued with availability problems.

    I have seen prices of the Radeon 5850 hit $280-$290 while browsing NewEgg and $300+ on Amazon and Zipzoomfly.

    Let's hope that things get in order in time for the holidays season, when demand usually surge.

  6. pigflipper
    30 Oct '09, 11:36 pm

    Yeah, right now I am going to keep on rocking my 7900GTO until I can get my hands on a 5850.

  7. lordbean
    31 Oct '09, 2:30 am

    I'm glad my impulsiveness took me as quickly as it did. Proud owner of an HD5850-powered gaming rig.

  8. Clifford
    31 Oct '09, 4:27 am

    Tease the public and then create a shortage. Sounds fishy to me.

  9. Cliff_Forster
    31 Oct '09, 6:15 pm

    I smell a troll...

  10. Snarkasm
    31 Oct '09, 7:36 pm

    I am roflcoptering. Cliff, you would have said EXACTLY the same thing if this was happening to NV.

  11. Cliff_Forster
    1 Nov '09, 4:48 am
    Quoting Snarkasm

    I am roflcoptering. Cliff, you would have said EXACTLY the same thing if this was happening to NV.

    Would not....

Troll-free since 2003 ®