SK Hynix Ships Next-Generation HBM4E Memory Samples as AI Chip Demand Accelerates Competition

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SK Hynix has shipped samples of its latest HBM4E AI memory chips to major customers including Nvidia. The 12-layer chips deliver speeds of 16 gigabits per second per pin and offer over 20% better power efficiency than previous models. The move positions SK Hynix ahead in the race against Samsung and Micron to supply next-generation AI infrastructure.

SK Hynix Ships HBM4E Samples to Major Customers

SK Hynix announced it has shipped samples of its next-generation HBM4E AI memory chips to major customers, marking a critical milestone in the intensifying competition to supply high-bandwidth memory for AI infrastructure . The South Korean chipmaker delivered the 12-layer HBM4E chips on schedule, leveraging its advanced development and production expertise to maintain its position as Nvidia supplier

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. The company confirmed it will work closely with partners for mass production in a timely manner, addressing the surging AI chip demand that has pushed DRAM manufacturers into overdrive

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Source: Korea Times

Source: Korea Times

Performance Gains Drive Next-Generation HBM Memory Forward

The 12-layer HBM4E chips deliver significant improvements in both performance and power efficiency compared to previous generations. With a maximum data transfer speed of 16 Gbps per pin, the chips offer over 20% better power efficiency than earlier models

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. These enhancements directly improve data processing capabilities for AI training and inference, which are critical for powering AI accelerators and graphics processing units that handle vast datasets needed to train AI models

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. The HBM4E also reduces data transfer latency through its latest interface and design optimization while maintaining stable operation in high-bandwidth environments

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Advanced Technology Enables 48GB Capacity

SK Hynix utilized Advanced MR-MUF technology for the HBM4E products to achieve a 48GB capacity in a 12-layer stack while ensuring structural stability

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. The company has also improved heat resistance by 17% compared to HBM4, enabling stable operation of memory chips in high-performance computing environments

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. This thermal management improvement becomes increasingly important as AI workloads intensify. The HBM4E samples use the most advanced 1c-class DRAM to deliver the 16 Gbps speeds while maintaining reliability .

Source: Wccftech

Source: Wccftech

Positioning for NVIDIA Rubin Ultra and AI Infrastructure Boom

The HBM4E memory will play a crucial role for next-generation datacenters as it will power heavyweight chips including NVIDIA Rubin Ultra and AMD Instinct MI500

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. While the previous HBM4 is set to be used for Nvidia's Vera Rubin AI supercomputer releasing in the third quarter, HBM4E is expected to be used for the Vera Rubin Ultra platform next year

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. Notably, Vera Rubin Ultra is expected to use 12 HBM4E stacks per GPU, up from eight HBM4 stacks per GPU in the Vera Rubin platform, meaning AI system bottlenecks could aggravate and SK Hynix's ability to supply the chips in a timely manner becomes increasingly important

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Racing Samsung and Micron in Competitive Market

SK Hynix is racing its rival Samsung to deliver the first HBM4E memory solutions to partners, with the sampling beginning just weeks after Computex 2026 where both companies previewed their technologies

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. Samsung was also at the showfloor previewing its own HBM4E and HBM5 technologies with HPB (Heat Path Block)

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. As Nvidia's main HBM supplier, SK Hynix holds a significant advantage in the booming AI infrastructure market, though rivals Samsung and Micron continue to compete

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. The company's latest product milestone follows a blockbuster first quarter reported in April, when SK Hynix posted record revenue of 52.58 trillion won, approximately $35.6 billion, surpassing the 50 trillion won mark for the first time with revenue increasing 198% year over year

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. Operating profit reached a record 37.6 trillion won, about $25.4 billion, with an operating margin of 72%, underscoring the profitability of the ongoing AI spending boom

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Source: ET

Source: ET

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