SK Hynix Begins Small-Batch HBM4 Shipments to NVIDIA

As NVIDIA gears up to deliver its next-generation AI accelerator—codenamed "Rubin"—SK Hynix has ramped up shipments of its advanced HBM4 memory. According to South Korean media outlet DealSite, SK Hynix has already begun supplying small volumes of 12-layer HBM4 chips to NVIDIA, which are now integrated into early Rubin samples. This marks a significant milestone in the development of high-performance memory for AI applications.

Micron has also entered the HBM4 race, supplying its own 12-layer samples to NVIDIA, albeit in more limited quantities. Industry insiders report that SK Hynix currently holds the majority share of NVIDIA's initial HBM4 procurement due to its earlier supply and higher production readiness.

An executive familiar with the matter confirmed:“SK Hynix is already shipping limited quantities of 12-layer HBM4 to NVIDIA. While mass production usually follows a formal transition, NVIDIA's plan to deliver Rubin samples starting in September has accelerated the timeline.”

Originally, SK Hynix intended to shift HBM4 to full-scale production in October 2025, but NVIDIA's early sampling plans have pushed the memory manufacturer to expedite limited-volume deliveries. This aligns with Rubin's expected market rollout in Q4 2025, driving a faster-than-anticipated ramp-up.

Despite some speculation that HBM4 mass production may slip into early 2026, current developments suggest that production remains on track. Internally, SK Hynix is debating whether the October mass production target is overly ambitious. However, sources indicate formal mass production could realistically begin early next year.

With growing demand for HBM4, SK Hynix is expected to see a sharp increase in HBM sales. Industry experts estimate that while HBM3E carried a premium of around 20%, HBM4 is likely to command a 30%+ price premium, driven by doubled I/O terminals (from 1,024 to 2,048), larger chip size, and significantly more complex manufacturing requirements.

While Micron trails SK Hynix by approximately three months in HBM4 sample deliveries, its contribution remains limited due to lower production yields and constrained capacity. One analyst commented:“NVIDIA is actively pursuing a multi-vendor sourcing strategy. Micron's entry into the HBM4 ecosystem is a logical step, but it still lacks the scale and maturity SK Hynix offers.”

Samsung Electronics, notably, has not yet entered NVIDIA's HBM supplier lineup. As a result, SK Hynix is positioned to maintain its dominance in supplying both HBM3E and HBM4 to NVIDIA through 2026. Sources indicate formal supply agreements between the two companies are expected to be signed by the end of June.

In a recent forecast, Meritz Securities projected that SK Hynix will secure over 60% of the HBM3E 8Hi market share and 75% of the HBM3E 12Hi segment by 2026.

A senior SK Hynix official stated:“We are on track with mass production preparations and will respond flexibly to customer demand.”