Mr. SHEIKH
Samsung’s highly anticipated HBM3E memory, which has been the subject of numerous industry rumors, is expected to complete NVIDIA’s qualification tests soon. As the Korean tech giant gears up for mass production, all eyes are on this crucial development in high-bandwidth memory technology.
Rumors Debunked: HBM3E Qualification Tests Still Ongoing
Contrary to previous reports, Samsung has not yet passed NVIDIA’s rigorous qualification tests for its HBM3E memory. The company confirmed that while it is collaborating closely with partners, the qualification process is still underway. This clarification came after media outlets initially reported a success in passing the tests, which was later corrected.
Challenges and Progress in the HBM Segment
Samsung’s journey in the HBM (High-Bandwidth Memory) segment has been challenging. Despite being a major player in the semiconductor industry, the company has lagged behind competitors like SK hynix in this specific area. Early struggles included difficulties in securing customers and passing qualification tests from leading companies like AMD and NVIDIA.
Path to Mass Production
Despite these hurdles, Samsung is making significant strides. The company is preparing its production lines and has reached the Production Readiness Approval (PRA) stage, a critical pre-emptive measure before mass production begins. This indicates that Samsung is on track and aiming to start mass production of HBM3E by Q3 2024, with a potential extension to Q1 2025.
Resolving Technical Issues
A major breakthrough for Samsung came with the resolution of the “heat production” issue, a key barrier in achieving NVIDIA’s approval. Korean media sources like New Daily and Hankyung have reported that Samsung is close to receiving the green light from NVIDIA, marking a significant milestone in its HBM3E development.
It is not true. (While responding on qualification rumor)
The company is consistently conducting HBM3E quality tests, and the report that major large customers have passed the quality tests is not true.
– Samsung via Hankyung
Strategic Importance for Both Companies
The approval and subsequent mass production of HBM3E are crucial for both Samsung and NVIDIA. For Samsung, this represents a vital opportunity to strengthen its memory division and gain a competitive edge. For NVIDIA, securing Samsung as a supplier is essential to meet the anticipated demand for next-generation products like Blackwell GPUs.
Outlook for HBM3E Mass Production
While Samsung has not yet announced a specific schedule for HBM3E mass production, industry experts anticipate the start date to be around Q3 2024, with a possibility of extending to Q1 2025. As the company works towards final approval, the tech world watches closely, anticipating a significant leap in high-bandwidth memory technology.
Conclusion
Samsung’s HBM3E memory is on the verge of a major breakthrough, with the company poised to complete NVIDIA’s qualification tests soon. As preparations for mass production intensify, the successful launch of HBM3E could mark a new era for Samsung’s memory division and meet the high demand from industry leaders like NVIDIA. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
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