Samsung and SK hynix Unveil Next-Gen HBM4 Memory, Intensifying AI Chip Competition

Samsung Goes Head-to-Head with SK Hynix and Micron as It Unveils HBM4 Memory to the Public for the First Time

Samsung has showcased its HBM4 memory modules to the public for the first time, indicating that the Korean giant is indeed prepared for the upcoming HBM competition. HBM4 is one of the most 'prestigious' computing essentials in the modern-day markets, mainly since the memory module will be responsible for scaling up AI performance. Korean HBM manufacturers, such as Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron, are giving it their all to showcase competitive HBM4 solutions to the world, ensuring their adoption. Among the mainstream HBM manufacturers, Samsung is one of the entities that has made a massive comeback in the segment, following years of sluggish performance. At the Semiconductor Exhibition (SEDEX) 2025, Samsung showcased its HBM4 process to the public. Samsung is reportedly avoiding the mistakes that led to its loss of dominance in the DRAM segment, and with HBM4, the Korean giant is proceeding with mass production alongside its competitors to ensure it does not fall behind. According to a report from DigiTimes, Samsung's HBM4 logic die yield has reportedly reached a phenomenal 90%, indicating that the firm is on track for mass production, and more importantly, delays aren't anticipated for now. The Korean giant is also reported to be implementing several strategies to ensure early HBM4 adoption, including maintaining a competitive price, offering higher production capacities, and, more importantly, delivering faster pin speeds to clients like NVIDIA, which is rated to be around 11 Gbps, higher than what SK hynix and Micron are said to offer. For now, Samsung hasn't received NVIDIA's approval for HBM4 supply, but considering the progress made with the technology, the Korean giant is certainly optimistic. Along with Samsung, SK Hynix also showcased its HBM4 modules at the event, which are developed in collaboration with TSMC. It is certain that the future of the DRAM markets is going to be a lot more competitive, considering Samsung's rapid advancements, and at the same time, demand is at a level that hasn't been anticipated before.

Samsung, SK hynix showcase latest HBM4 chips at 2025 SEDEX - The Korea Times

Samsung Electronics and SK hynix on Wednesday showcased their latest high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips at a semiconductor exhibition in Seoul amid an expected showdown between the South Korean companies for the sixth-generation artificial intelligence (AI) chip market. At the 2025 Semiconductor Exhibition (SEDEX), which kicked off earlier in the day for a three-day run in southern Seoul, both companies displayed their HBM4 chips at their booths, underscoring their confidence in leading the rapidly growing sector. HBM, an advanced, high-performance memory chip, is a crucial component of Nvidia's graphics processing units (GPUs) that drive generative AI systems. While the current market is dominated by fifth-generation HBM3E chips, industry watchers expect HBM4 to become a major factor next year, as Nvidia plans to use it in its next-generation AI accelerator, Rubin. SK hynix, currently the leading supplier of HBM3E as part of the tripartite supply chain with Nvidia and TSMC, has completed development of HBM4 and is preparing for mass production. The company is reportedly in talks with Nvidia for large-scale supply. For Samsung Electronics, which has long dominated the memory market but recently lost ground in HBM, the new HBM4 lineup is seen as a potential game changer to regain its competitive edge. At a shareholders' meeting in March, Jun Young-hyun, head of the semiconductor division at Samsung Electronics, vowed to stay on schedule with the development and mass production of HBM4 products to avoid repeating the company's previous setback in the HBM3E market. According to a recent report by researching firm Counterpoint Research, SK hynix led the HBM market in the second quarter in terms of shipments with a share of 62 percent, followed by Micron Technology Inc. with 21 percent and Samsung Electronics with 17 percent.