Samsung HBM4 Reportedly Passes Nvidia Validation

According to Korean media reports, Samsung Electronics' 6th-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM4) samples have passed Nvidia's validation and are expected to enter final pre-production by late August. If everything goes smoothly, mass production could begin as early as the end of this year.

Industry insiders revealed that Nvidia gave positive feedback on Samsung's HBM4 quality metrics, including yield rates. The chips are now moving into pre-production — the last step before full-scale manufacturing. Unlike the initial "engineering samples" provided in July, this stage tests GPU compatibility and performance under specific thermal conditions. Once cleared, volume production can officially start.

Nvidia plans to use HBM4 in its next-generation AI accelerator, Rubin. Rival SK hynix already began small-scale production in June after completing validation in March and is targeting mass production in October. If Samsung meets its November timeline, it could quickly close the gap with SK hynix.

Meanwhile, reports suggest Samsung's 12-layer HBM3E may pass Nvidia's quality tests by the end of August and start shipping soon. Analysts note that ongoing negotiations between Nvidia and SK hynix over HBM pricing and supply hint that Samsung could soon secure new orders.

If Samsung successfully enters Nvidia's HBM3E and HBM4 supply chains, the AI memory market in 2026 could shift dramatically. During the first half of this year, Samsung's HBM market share plunged from 41% last year to 17%, while SK hynix rose from 55% to 62%, and Micron climbed from 4% to 21%. Industry experts believe Samsung's HBM sales growth may more than double next year.