Samsung’s Heat Path Block (HPB) Technology Explained
Samsung Foundry has a new thermal packaging solution called Heat Path Block (HPB), aiming to solve one of the most critical issues in advanced semiconductor design, heat buildup. The company is preparing to license this innovation to external clients, including Apple and Qualcomm, as it works to reestablish its position in the foundry market.

What is HPB and Why Does It Matter?
HPB is a copper-based thermal plate that sits directly above the application processor. In previous designs, Samsung placed the DRAM stack directly on top of the processor using Fan-Out Wafer-Level Packaging (FOWLP). The new Exynos 2600 design moves the DRAM to the side to make room for the HPB block, which now makes direct contact with the processor cores.

This repositioning improves heat transfer efficiency. Samsung claims a 30% reduction in average chip temperature compared to the previous generation. The thermal improvements are expected to help maintain peak performance in mobile processors during extended workloads, particularly in gaming and other intensive applications.
Rebuilding Trust with Apple and Qualcomm
Samsung plans to license HPB to potential clients, including Qualcomm and Apple. Both companies shifted major chip orders to TSMC in recent years. Qualcomm moved its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Plus production in 2022, and Apple made the switch with the A10 back in 2016. Samsung now sees HPB as a potential draw to win back these customers.
The timing may work in Samsung’s favor. Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 reportedly consumes 19.5W under full load, significantly more than Apple’s A19 Pro at 12.1W. This high power draw results in greater heat generation, creating demand for better cooling at the chip level. Samsung’s HPB could directly address this concern.
Samsung’s own MX division, which buys Snapdragon chips for Galaxy devices, has already requested cooling performance at HPB levels. This request signals that the market is taking the technology seriously.
Strategic Timing with 2nm and GAA
HPB will debut with the Exynos 2600, which also serves as Samsung’s proof-of-concept for its 2nm chip manufacturing process. The company has already implemented gate-all-around (GAA) transistor architecture with its 3nm node and will continue using it at 2nm. TSMC, by contrast, plans to adopt GAA starting at the 2nm node.
Reports from South Korea suggest Samsung’s 2nm yield has reached between 55% and 60%. The company expects profitability in its foundry division by 2027, once its new Taylor, Texas fab ramps up. The fab is scheduled to begin operations in 2026 and will help double Samsung’s 2nm capacity by the end of that year.
Samsung’s early use of GAA and new thermal solutions could give it an edge as more chipmakers explore alternatives to TSMC.
The Bigger Picture
Samsung is using HPB as part of a broader strategy to revive its foundry business. The company has reorganized its packaging teams under the foundry and memory divisions to focus more closely on advanced chip integration.
Samsung has also taken a more flexible pricing approach to attract new clients. TSMC’s 2nm wafers are reportedly priced 50% higher than previous generations due to strong demand from clients like Nvidia and Apple. Samsung is using competitive pricing to secure contracts with smaller AI semiconductor firms such as Charbright, Anaplash, and South Korea’s DeepX.
In July, Samsung also secured a $16.5 billion deal to manufacture Tesla’s next-generation AI6 chips. The company is producing image sensors for Apple, ASICs for Chinese mining companies, and smartphone APs for its System LSI division. These contracts signal early momentum as Samsung works to diversify its client base.
Samsung is betting that HPB, combined with its 2nm and GAA advancements, will help close the gap with TSMC and restore confidence in its advanced nodes. If the Exynos 2600 performs well, it could mark a turning point in Samsung’s efforts to regain share in the global foundry market.
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The post Samsung’s Heat Path Block (HPB) Technology Explained appeared first on Gizmochina.