TSMC would use "gate all around transistors" for 2nm node
Yes Sir we're already talking about 2nm folks. DigiTimes has an interesting piece up claiming that the 2nm node would introduce something called "gate all around transistors" replacing FinFET with GAA transistors.
TSMC 2nm GAA process development ahead of schedule: TSMC's development of 2nm process technology, which is already out of its pathfinding mode, is ahead of schedule, according to industry sources. TSMC would switch from the 2N node from the currently common finfet transistors to so-called gaafet transistors, of which nanowires are a alternative. Ultimately, the continued use of finfet transistors will pose unconquerable difficulties. With the current finfet transistors, further reduction produces too much leakage of current. The gate encloses the channel of the finfet transistor on three sides.
Thorough enclosure of the channel, as is the case here, solves leakage current complications. The disadvantage of such transistors is that they are far more complex to produce though. Meanwhile, the 3N process should be well underway by the end of 2022.
Senior Member
Posts: 1667
Joined: 2017-02-14
I wouldn't doubt it moves out nodes are getting very complicated. TSMC is mass producing on 5nm for Apple as we speak so its no that TSMC is behind today. I suspect we will see APU's start to heat up on TSMC's 5nm and Intels 7nm which is when both move to using EUV. It should bring the needed power improvements to have a more powerful GPU under the hood. These would likely compete with the lowest end dedicated GPU skews which has not happened yet for integrated GPU's. You can already see this a bit with the latest generation of consoles that are coming out shortly.
Senior Member
Posts: 3374
Joined: 2013-03-10
How would you handle the memory for that 3090 class iGPU? At least 16GB of it, and with high bandwidth?
In any case, things that tax the GPU are extremely easy to add to games. Ultimately you need nothing but to add more stuff on a higher resolution screen quicker (or a VR headset). That's why no GPU is ever enough. It's so easy to demand more.