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Samsung's next-generation HBM4 memory appears to have cleared a major milestone: Korean outlets report the chips passed NVIDIA's qualification tests with top marks, putting Samsung back in the conversation for high-bandwidth memory for AI accelerators.
What the test results mean
After struggling to meet NVIDIA's standards with HBM3E — a gap that allowed SK Hynix to take the lead as NVIDIA's primary HBM supplier — Samsung doubled down on HBM4 development this year. According to reports, an NVIDIA team visited Samsung recently to review progress and found HBM4 delivering the best results among memory makers in both operating speed and power efficiency.
That performance could translate into a meaningful business win. Media sources say Samsung is likely to clear full quality verification and may start supplying HBM4 to NVIDIA in the first half of 2026. There’s also word that NVIDIA’s requested volumes could exceed Samsung’s current internal forecasts, a demand swing that would significantly boost Samsung’s memory revenue next year if realized.
- High scores in speed and energy efficiency were reported.
- NVIDIA reportedly reviewed tests on-site at Samsung.
- A supply contract is expected to be formalized in Q1 2026.
- Shipments could begin in H1 2026, ahead of NVIDIA’s 2026 AI accelerator launch.
Both companies typically stay tight-lipped on qualification and supply talks, so these reports should be treated as provisional until an official announcement. Still, if Samsung does secure a larger HBM4 deal with NVIDIA, it would mark a notable turnaround from the HBM3E era and reshape supplier dynamics in the AI memory market.
Source: sammobile
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