Samsung Begins HBM4 Sample Production for Nvidia Certification

While Samsung is still waiting for approval from Nvidia for its HBM3E chip, it is already gearing up to apply for certification of its next-gen HBM4 product. The Korean firm has reportedly begun sample production of its most advanced high-bandwidth memory chip. The goal is to secure deals with Nvidia by supplying samples early, which could help the company regain momentum in the competitive AI memory market.

Samsung is preparing HBM4 chip samples for Nvidia

Samsung’s memory business is going through a tough time — it recently lost the top spot to rival SK Hynix for the first time. The main reason is that the company continues to face setbacks in the HBM segment. It has yet to enter the supply chain of global tech giant Nvidia, leading to a significant drop in market share.

However, Samsung is hopeful that it will bounce back in this space with its HBM4 products. According to a report from FETV, Samsung has kicked off its HBM4 sample wafers production at its Pyeongtaek campus. This sample will be sent to Nvidia and other customers for testing and certification purposes.

“We are still in the wafer production stage and samples have not been delivered to actual customers such as Nvidia,” a Samsung Electronics insider told the publication. “After wafer shipment, there are still procedures remaining including packaging and final verification.”

Industry watchers expect that if Samsung successfully passes the certification, the global HBM market will see a dramatic shakeup. The industry leader, SK Hynix — currently the exclusive supplier of HBM3 and HBM3E to Nvidia — will face challenges. Some market research firm expects that Samsung may enter Nvidia’s HBM4 supply chain in the second quarter of 2026.

Samsung aims to start mass production of its 6th-generation HBM chip next year. But for now, all eyes are on the HBM4 samples currently in production. The outcome of Nvidia’s certification process will decide how quickly the Korean company regains a foothold in its memory business.