Samsung is inching closer to rejoining the competitive high-bandwidth memory (HBM) supply chain after reportedly passing Broadcom’s qualification test for its HBM3E 8-Hi prototype, according to multiple sources including FETV and KED. This successful evaluation could position Samsung as a viable alternative to SK hynix, helping Broadcom reduce supplier risk and improve pricing flexibility.
Samsung Eyes Comeback in Broadcom’s HBM Supply Chain
The approval of Samsung’s 8-Hi HBM3E prototype marks a critical milestone in pre-mass production, allowing it to potentially re-enter Broadcom’s memory sourcing network. As a fabless chipmaker, Broadcom benefits from supply chain diversification, and Samsung’s re-emergence could shift the competitive balance currently tilted toward SK hynix.
Samsung Supplies HBM3E to AMD’s MI350 Series
In another significant development, Samsung has officially been confirmed as a memory supplier to AMD. At AMD’s “Advancing AI 2025” event, the company revealed that its new MI350 Series AI accelerators utilize 288GB of HBM3E sourced from both Samsung and Micron. This is the first public acknowledgment of Samsung’s HBM3E being deployed in AMD hardware. The memory provided is believed to be Samsung’s 12-Hi variant, based on MI350 specifications.
Trouble With NVIDIA’s 12-Hi Validation Persists
However, not all is going smoothly for Samsung. Despite its progress with AMD and Broadcom, Samsung has reportedly failed NVIDIA’s validation test for the 12-Hi HBM3E for the third time, according to Business Post. The failure poses a significant setback, as approval from NVIDIA is crucial to Samsung’s ambitions in the high-performance GPU segment.
Samsung is reportedly planning a retest in September, but its Q4 mass production goal remains uncertain, especially as Micron has already shipped its first HBM4 12-Hi samples—tightening competition in the next-gen memory race.
Samsung’s Strategy: Invest to Catch Up
To close the gap with SK hynix, Samsung is accelerating investment in 1c DRAM, its sixth-generation 10nm-class memory. According to ZDNet, Samsung will expand production lines at its Hwaseong and Pyeongtaek fabs starting later this year.
Despite these efforts, Samsung now trails SK hynix in the global DRAM market. As of Q1 2025, SK hynix leads with 36% market share, while Samsung holds 33.7%, according to data from TrendForce
Summary:
- Samsung passed Broadcom’s HBM3E 8-Hi test, positioning itself as a supply chain alternative to SK hynix.
- The company officially supplies AMD’s MI350 series with HBM3E, likely the 12-Hi version.
- NVIDIA has rejected Samsung’s 12-Hi HBM3E again, delaying Samsung’s entry into NVIDIA’s GPU supply chain.
- Micron is advancing with HBM4, while Samsung ramps up 1c DRAM production to stay competitive.https://x.com/rwang07/status/1934939874974470334
