Samsung will start manufacturing HBM4 memory in February with a clear mission: to break SK Hynix's monopoly in AI
Samsung Electronics is set to commence production of HBM4 memory chips in February, marking a significant strategic move in the competitive AI hardware landscape. This initiative aims to challenge SK Hynix's current dominance in supplying high-bandwidth memory for artificial intelligence accelerators, a sector experiencing explosive growth driven by generative AI. The company has successfully passed qualification tests with major AI chip manufacturers NVIDIA and AMD, signaling its readiness to enter a critical market segment. The initial production run will prioritize NVIDIA, supplying chips for its upcoming Vera Rubin AI platform, slated for release in the latter half of 2026. This diversification of suppliers is crucial for NVIDIA, mitigating the risks associated with sole-sourcing in a high-demand environment. For Samsung, this venture represents a vital opportunity to regain market share and secure substantial annual revenue, particularly as SK Hynix has made significant inroads into its previously strong semiconductor business. Samsung's approach involves adopting an advanced 10-nanometer sixth-generation DRAM manufacturing process (1c), a technically demanding step taken ahead of competitors despite initial yield challenges. This aggressive manufacturing strategy underscores the company's commitment to capturing a larger share of the burgeoning AI memory market. The increased competition and technological advancements in HBM are expected to drive innovation and potentially impact the overall cost and availability of AI hardware.
Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.
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