Regardless of being the world’s greatest reminiscence chip maker, Samsung has been left behind within the AI chip race by smaller rivals Micron and SK Hynix. It’s nonetheless unable to produce HBM3E reminiscence for Nvidia’s flagship AI chips. Nevertheless, the corporate has taken a essential step in direction of its future by ordering gear to make HBM4 reminiscence.
Samsung orders gear to make 1c DRAM used for HBM4 reminiscence
Based on a report from ZDNet, Samsung has begun ordering gear to fabricate 1c DRAM. The gear can be used to construct a mass manufacturing line (at P4) on the corporate’s Pyeongtaek campus.
Samsung is alleged to be growing HBM4 reminiscence utilizing 1c DRAM, which is one model superior in comparison with its rivals. Micron and SK Hynix have reportedly determined to make use of 1b DRAM for his or her HBM4 chips. Samsung’s intention is to make up for the time it misplaced within the HBM3 and HBM3E segments up to now few years.
The South Korean chip big has reportedly began discussions with its companions, and the development of the brand new manufacturing line is predicted to be accomplished in mid-2025.
In the meantime, the corporate had been testing 8-layer and 12-layer HBM3E reminiscence with Nvidia however could not provide these chips on account of efficiency points. Now, Samsung is alleged to be barely modifying these chips in order that it may possibly begin offering HBM3E reminiscence to Nvidia.
SK Hynix is aiming to finish the tape-out course of for its HBM4 reminiscence by the fourth quarter of this 12 months. Tape-out refers back to the strategy of supplying the ultimate design to the manufacturing workforce.
As soon as the tape-out is finished, manufacturing exams could be began, and if every little thing goes to plan, mass manufacturing can start. Since SK Hynix will use 1b DRAM for HBM4 chips, it might have extra secure manufacturing.
Hopefully, Samsung will not face efficiency points with its HBM4 chips because it did with its HBM3 and HBM3E chips. Market evaluation corporations indicated that demand for HBM reminiscence can be excessive subsequent 12 months, so it can be crucial for Samsung to carry out properly on this section.