TSMC Arizona Begins Production of AMD Ryzen 9000 "Granite Ridge" CPUs Amid Surging Industry Demand

TSMC's cutting-edge Arizona facility has officially commenced production for major industry players, with AMD's highly anticipated Ryzen 9000 series "Granite Ridge" CPUs now reportedly rolling off the production line. The move signifies a landmark shift for the U.S.-based semiconductor landscape, as TSMC continues to attract big names like NVIDIA, AMD, and Apple.

Massive Demand for TSMC Arizona's N4 Process

Prominent analyst Tim Culpan has revealed that TSMC's Arizona fab has initiated production using its N4 process node, catering to orders from AMD, NVIDIA, and Apple. Among the first products to enter production are AMD's Granite Ridge CPUs, which are expected to power the company's Ryzen 9000 series, and Apple’s S9 SoC, a key component in the Apple Watch Series 9.

TSMC’s Arizona operation currently boasts a monthly wafer output of 10,000, meeting the needs of top-tier clients. The introduction of AMD as a client is particularly significant, given the company's historic reliance on TSMC's Taiwan-based fabs. This strategic shift demonstrates TSMC's commitment to supporting U.S.-based manufacturing while offering greater supply chain security for its clients.

Challenges and Expansion Plans

While Phase 1A of the Arizona facility is fully operational, Phase 1B faces challenges related to equipment shortages, delaying its timeline to Q1 2025. Despite this, TSMC remains confident in meeting its ambitious production goals. The next phase will expand output capabilities and reinforce the fab's role in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain.

Implications for the Semiconductor Industry

TSMC's Arizona fab represents a milestone in the U.S. semiconductor sector. By offering localized production, it mitigates supply chain risks while reinforcing the strategic partnership between TSMC and the U.S. tech industry. Analysts anticipate the facility to play a critical role in fulfilling demand for advanced nodes, including N3E orders, as global demand for cutting-edge chips continues to grow.

Notably, the facility's progress aligns with U.S. government initiatives to bolster domestic semiconductor production, as well as AMD’s and Apple’s goals to diversify their supply chains. NVIDIA, another major TSMC customer, is also leveraging the fab for its high-performance GPU production, including components from its newly announced RTX 50 Series lineup.

With AMD’s Ryzen 9000 series CPUs entering production and Apple leveraging the fab for its latest SoCs, TSMC's Arizona facility is cementing its position as a cornerstone of U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. As Phase 1B progresses and equipment shortages are addressed, the fab's influence is expected to grow exponentially.

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