Uh Oh! Samsung’s HBM3E Nvidia Approval Delayed to Q4 2025

A few weeks ago, a report suggested that Samsung is getting closer to passing Nvidia’s quality tests for 12-layer HBM3E chips. After all, it recently passed single-chip certification and now needs to clear finished product certification only. However, it appears things have changed again — the certification process has been delayed to Q4 2025.

Samsung faced multiple setbacks in passing Nvidia’s HBM3E quality test

Samsung failed to cater to the growing High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) market because of low orders from major clients. To bounce back in this space, the company needs larger orders from some big AI chip makers like Nvidia. It is desperately trying to secure a deal with Nvidia for supplying its HBM3E chip. But before that, it needs to clear Nvidia’s quality tests, which include meeting thermal and power requirements.

Unfortunately, the Korean firm has faced multiple setbacks despite its efforts. If reports are accurate, it completely redesigned the chip but still couldn’t pass Nvidia’s performance evaluation. Samsung remained optimistic throughout these difficult times, hoping to turn things around — it even ramped up production of the HBM3E chips, expecting approval by mid-2025.

However, noted tipster @Jukanlosreve on X claims that Samsung’s HBM3E 12-layer certification with Nvidia has been delayed to Q4 2025. They didn’t provide additional info, so it isn’t clear what went wrong in recent weeks. But the bottom line is that this delay will hurt Samsung big time. Its semiconductor division is already struggling to make money.

Meanwhile, a delayed Nvidia approval for Samsung’s HBM3E chips greatly benefits its rivals like SK Hynix and Micron. SK Hynix is leading the global HBM market with over 70% market share, followed by Samsung and Micron in second and third positions, respectively. The gap in market share between SK Hynix and Samsung is substantial and can only narrow if Samsung secures a few major clients.

Meanwhile, after obtaining Nvidia’s certification, Micron has started mass production of its 12-layer HBM3E chips for Nvidia. This is a major concern for Samsung, as Micron could overtake it in the coming months. However, Samsung is planning to make a comeback with the early commercialization of the next-generation HBM4 chip. Only time will tell how Samsung’s HBM business shapes up in the future.