 |
Physical samples of Samsung Electronics’ HBM4 and HBM3E are displayed at SEDEX 2025 in Seoul on the 22nd. (Yonhap News) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun & Moon Sunjung] Samsung Electronics’ sixth-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM4) has reportedly become the only product among the world’s three major memory makers to enter NVIDIA’s final qualification testing process.
According to AlphaBiz on the 15th, NVIDIA is understood to be applying only Samsung Electronics’ HBM4 to the third and final qualification test, which is considered essential for next-generation GPUs.
Previously, NVIDIA had received HBM4 prototypes from Micron Technology, SK hynix, and Samsung Electronics and conducted qualification testing on all three suppliers.
A source familiar with NVIDIA’s qualification process said, “It is understood that only one company has been approved to proceed to the third and final qualification test, which represents the last hurdle for supplying HBM4 to NVIDIA. That company is said to be Samsung Electronics.” The source added that “a final decision is expected as early as late January or early February.”
HBM4 is a next-generation memory technology that doubles the number of data channels from 1,024 to 2,048, increasing bandwidth to up to 2 terabytes per second. Power efficiency is also improved by more than 40%, enabling AI service performance gains of up to 69%, according to industry estimates.
Samsung’s HBM4, which is reportedly the only product currently undergoing NVIDIA’s third-stage qualification test, is said to adopt the company’s 1c process, skipping the 1b node.
The 1c process—classified as a 10-nanometer-class sixth-generation technology with feature sizes of approximately 11–12 nanometers—is regarded as a cutting-edge next-generation memory manufacturing process.
In response to inquiries, Samsung Electronics stated, “We cannot confirm matters related to specific customers.”
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
