SK hynix Weighs M15X Shift Toward 1c DRAM as HBM Roadmap Advances

SK hynix is considering whether to redirect part of its DRAM investment strategy at the M15X production base in Cheongju, South Korea, according to reports cited by DigiTimes. The reported shift would move focus from fifth-generation 10nm-class DRAM, known as 1b, toward sixth-generation 10nm-class DRAM, known as 1c. For the memory market, the key point is timing. HBM roadmaps depend on underlying DRAM process transitions, and suppliers are under pressure to align wafer capacity with AI-memory demand. A move toward 1c DRAM would suggest SK hynix is preparing its production base for the next phase of HBM and advanced DRAM requirements rather than simply adding older-generation output. The source excerpt does not quantify the investment change or provide a final decision, so the immediate price effect is unclear. Still, the direction is relevant because tighter alignment between leading-edge DRAM capacity and HBM demand can influence future availability of both AI memory and conventional DRAM supply.