Daijiworld Media Network - Seoul

Seoul, Jan 26: Samsung Electronics Co. is closing in on securing certification from Nvidia Corp. for the latest version of its artificial intelligence memory chip, HBM4, marking significant progress in narrowing the gap with rival SK Hynix Inc., according to people familiar with the matter.

The South Korea-based technology major has entered the final qualification phase with Nvidia after supplying initial HBM4 samples to the US chipmaker in September. Nvidia relies heavily on high-bandwidth memory chips to power its AI accelerators.

Sources said Samsung is preparing for mass production of HBM4 from February and will be ready to begin shipments soon, although the exact timeline remains unclear. Samsung shares rose as much as 3.2 per cent in Seoul on Monday before trimming gains, while SK Hynix stock slipped by a similar margin. Samsung declined to comment on the development.

Samsung currently trails SK Hynix and Micron Technology at the forefront of AI memory technology. However, all three companies have witnessed sharp gains in market value amid a global AI-driven surge in demand for advanced memory chips, which has also created shortages across the broader electronics industry. Since early September, the combined market capitalisation of the three leading memory makers has risen by nearly $900 billion.

Investor optimism is growing that Samsung could soon join its rivals in supplying memory components for Nvidia’s upcoming flagship Rubin processors. Until now, Nvidia has relied predominantly on SK Hynix for its most advanced memory chips used in high-end AI accelerators.

Earlier, The Korea Economic Daily reported that Samsung is expected to begin HBM4 shipments to Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. next month. Both Samsung and SK Hynix are scheduled to hold their earnings calls later this week, where updates on HBM4 development and production are anticipated.