Samsung has started mass production of 12-layer HBM3E memory for Nvidia
By ForGeeks Samsung has begun mass production of new HBM3E chips with a 12-layer architecture, targeted for use in Nvidia’s AI gas pedals. According to ZDNet Korea, production began in February 2025 after one of the downstream lines was moved to full capacity.
New Memory, New Chance
Samsung is confident that its updated HBM3E chips will win Nvidia’s approval – especially after the failure of last year’s version, which failed to pass the US company’s testing. The Korean giant suffered a serious loss then, but is now betting on an improved memory based on fifth-generation 1a DRAM (10nm class). It should offer better performance and meet Nvidia’s stringent requirements.
Manufacturing volumes are on the rise
The company is already capable of producing between 120,000 and 130,000 HBM3E chips per month. Given that a full production cycle takes about six months, Samsung started production early – to accumulate enough volume in time for possible approval from Nvidia, which is expected in June or July. Otherwise, it will be too late to start mass production later.
Competition is not slumbering
Bearing in mind that Nvidia may switch to the new HBM4 memory for the next generation of gas pedals, codenamed Rubin, by the end of the year, Samsung is rushing to release HBM3E. The company expects the stockpile to help it maintain its position in the high-performance AI memory segment.
The company’s stockpile will help it maintain its position in the high-performance AI memory segment.
Ambitious Goals for 2025
Samsung plans to double its HBM memory production, from 4 billion gigabits (Gb) last year to 8 billion Gb this year. That said, only 600-800 million Gb were produced in the first quarter, meaning the pace will need to pick up significantly in the second half of the year.
The race for Nvidia continues – and for Samsung, it’s not just money at stake, but also the prestige of being a supplier to the world leader in AI.
The article Samsung begins mass production of 12-layer HBM3E memory for Nvidia was first published on ITZine.ru.
