Samsung Electronics has secured Nvidia's qualification for its fifth-generation 12-layer HBM3E memory chips, marking a long-awaited breakthrough after more than a year of failed attempts to meet the U.S. chipmaker's demanding standards. The certification makes Samsung the third supplier of HBM3E to Nvidia, joining SK hynix and Micron, though its initial shipment volumes are expected to be limited.

High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) has become essential for powering the latest AI accelerators from Nvidia, AMD, and Intel, with HBM3E offering bandwidth exceeding 1 TB/s. Without this advanced memory, the computing power of flagship GPUs such as Nvidia's H200, B100, and B200 cannot be fully unlocked.

Samsung, once the world's largest DRAM maker, has lagged SK hynix in the HBM race. SK hynix began mass-producing 12-high HBM3E last year and remains Nvidia's primary supplier, while Micron passed qualification earlier this year. Samsung, meanwhile, faced repeated setbacks since delivering its first HBM3E samples to Nvidia in early 2023, reportedly struggling with thermal and performance issues tied to its DRAM technology.

Industry sources say Samsung's certification ends an 18-month impasse and reopens the door for the Korean giant to compete in the next generation of HBM. Nvidia is requiring HBM4 suppliers to deliver speeds above 10 Gbps, and Samsung has already demonstrated 11 Gbps — surpassing SK hynix's 10 Gbps and ahead of Micron, which has yet to meet the target. Samsung plans to ship large volumes of HBM4 samples to Nvidia this month in pursuit of early qualification.

While Samsung's late entry means its near-term contribution to Nvidia's supply chain will be small — with most 2024–25 allocations already locked up by SK hynix and Micron — the certification is strategically significant. It narrows the gap with rivals and could even give Samsung a technical edge in the HBM4 era. Analysts warn that Samsung's return to the market may pressure HBM pricing if the company discounts aggressively to regain share, though Wall Street remains bullish on Micron in the near term.

By securing Nvidia's approval, Samsung has reestablished itself as a credible contender in advanced memory, setting the stage for intensified competition as the industry prepares for the rollout of HBM4.