[News] Samsung Reportedly Clears Broadcom’s HBM3E 8-Hi Prototype Test; NVIDIA 12-Hi Still Pending

According to FETV, Samsung has reportedly passed Broadcom’s qualification test for its HBM3E 8-Hi prototype, raising the prospect of rejoining the supply chain. Multiple testing equipment sources cited in the report indicate that its improved 8-Hi product has successfully passed the verification, completing the pre-mass production evaluation stage.

The report notes that for fabless companies like Broadcom, diversifying the supply chain is a strategic way to mitigate risk. With the current heavy reliance on SK hynix, Samsung’s potential return to the supply chain is seen as a viable option to enhance pricing flexibility and supply resilience.

Samsung’s HBM3E Supply to AMD

In addition to the potential supply deal with Broadcom, Samsung has delivered its fifth-generation HBM to AMD. According to KED, AMD confirms during its Advancing AI 2025 event on June 12 that its latest MI350 Series accelerators are equipped with 288GB HBM3E from both Samsung and U.S. chipmaker Micron.

Notably, this marks the first official confirmation of Samsung supplying HBM3E to AMD, as pointed out by KED. Based on the MI350’s specifications, KED notes that the HBM3E provided by Samsung appears to be a 12-Hi version.

Samsung Reportedly Faces Setbacks with NVIDIA’s HBM3E Validation

Despite its supply to AMD, Samsung reportedly still faces challenges in its attempt to pass NVIDIA’s validation for its 12-Hi HBM3E. While key rival Micron has announced the shipment of its first 12-Hi HBM4 samples, Samsung reportedly failed its third attempt at NVIDIA’s validation in June, according to Business Post, citing securities analysts. The company is reportedly now aiming for a retest in September. With Samsung’s 12-Hi HBM3E still awaiting NVIDIA’s approval, the report suggests that its target for mass production in the fourth quarter remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, as HBM4 has become the next battle ground for memory giants, Samsung seems to be aiming to close its gap with SK hynix through aggressive investment. According to ZDNet, Samsung plans to expand 1c DRAM (6th-gen 10nm-class) production in both Hwaseong and Pyeongtaek, with investments starting by year-end.

According to TrendForce, SK hynix led the global DRAM branded revenue rankings in Q1 2025 with a 36% market share, while Samsung slipped to second with 33.7%.

Read more

• [News] Samsung Reportedly Stumbles Again on NVIDIA’s 12-Hi HBM3E Validation, Retest Set for September
• [News] Unpacking AMD’s MI350: Powered by TSMC’s N3P, with Samsung/ Micron as Dual HBM3E Suppliers

(Photo credit: Samsung)