Samsung begins first sample production of HBM4 memory, ready for NVIDIA qualification

Samsung Electronics has reportedly started sample production of its next-gen HBM4 memory, ready to head over to NVIDIA for validation.

In a new report picked up by @Jukanrosleve on X, Samsung has reportedly commenced sample production of its next-generation HBM4, with these samples targeted for qualification by NVIDIA, and if it goes without a hitch, it would mark a shift in competitive landscape for the global memory market, especially against fellow South Korean memory rival, SK hynix.

Samsung reportedly started producing HBM4 sample wafers at its Pyeongtaek Campus, with the production of the HBM4 samples made for the purpose of testing and certification by global AI semiconductor companies, like NVIDIA.

The company went through some very serious roadblocks and stumbles with the HBM3 memory family (HBM3 + HBM3E) where SK hynix dominated by supplying the best HBM3 + HBM3E memory for use on flagship AI chips made by NVIDIA and AMD. Samsung repurposed itself internally, shedding its old ways in the DRAM business, and went full steam ahead into HBM4.

If the company pulls it off with HBM4 memory and NVIDIA qualification tests, it will provide more HBM4 memory to the company than it ever did HBM3 + HBM3E. SK hynix was exclusively supplying NVIDIA with leading HBM3 + HBM3E memory, capturing a large chunk of the HBM market, but Samsung could be catching up.

The industry is keeping an eye on the progress made by Samsung in next-gen HBM4 yield improvements, and the possible supply of HBM4 memory to NVIDIA. An industry official said: "If Samsung's HBM4 passes NVIDIA's certification, it will mark the beginning of a significant change in the memory market".