Rumor
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang approves Samsung for HBM4 supply
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 02:27 AM
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has reportedly approved Samsung Electronics as a supplier for HBM4 memory. This follows intensive testing and validation processes for Samsung's next-generation high-bandwidth memory to be integrated into Nvidia's future AI GPU architectures.
Context
At NVIDIA GTC 2026, CEO Jensen Huang reportedly signaled a major shift in the AI memory supply chain by approving Samsung Electronics as a primary supplier for HBM4 modules. This development follows a period where Samsung struggled to secure HBM3E orders, with Huang previously praising the company's potential but remaining non-committal on official contracts. While a literal "Jensen Approved" signature on a module became a viral symbol of the partnership at past events, reports from March 2026 indicate that Samsung has now effectively passed rigorous qualification tests for the next-generation Vera Rubin platform.
This approval is critical as Samsung recently became the first in the industry to commence mass production of HBM4 in February 2026, utilizing its 1c DRAM and 4nm logic process. The company is targeting data transfer speeds of 11.7Gbps, surpassing the standard 8Gbps requirement to meet NVIDIA’s aggressive performance targets. Samsung anticipates its HBM sales will triple in 2026, potentially capturing 28% of the global market share as it challenges SK hynix's long-standing dominance in the high-bandwidth memory sector.
Sources (5)
Samsung Ships Industry-First Commercial HBM4 With Ultimate Performance for AI Computing – Samsung Global NewsroomGTC 2025 Keynote S72484 | GTC 2025 | NVIDIA On-DemandNvidia refutes reports of HBM4 mass production delay, production 'on track' for the second half of 2025 — report suggested timeline shift to late Q126 due to revised spec | Tom's Hardware[News] Samsung, SK hynix Reportedly Tapped as NVIDIA Rubin HBM4 Suppliers; Shipments Could Start in MarchSamsung again gets praise but no HBM orders from NVIDIA CEO - SamMobile
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