The latest Samsung HBM (high bandwidth memory) memory chips failed to pass Nvidia tests for suitability for use in artificial intelligence accelerators. The problem is that such chips consume too much power and generate too much heat. This was stated by three knowledgeable persons.
The problems concern fourth-generation Samsung HBM3 and fifth-generation HBM3E chips. The first of them are now actively used in video cards and accelerators of AI tasks, and the second are being introduced to the market this year. This is the first time the reasons that caused Nvidia's tests to fail have been reported.
Samsung said HBM is a customizable memory product that requires “optimization processes based on customer needs.” Samsung also added that the company optimizes its products through close collaboration with customers. The company declined to comment on specific clients.
Separately, Samsung said that “claims of failures due to heat and power consumption are not true” and that testing “went smoothly and as planned.” Nvidia declined to comment on this situation.
At the same time, 3 sources reported that Samsung has been trying to pass Nvidia tests for HBM3 and HBM3E memory chips since last year. The recent failed test results for Samsung's 8-layer and 12-layer HBM3E chips were reported in April, two people said.
It is not yet clear whether these problems can be easily resolved. However, sources said Nvidia's failure to comply has fueled concern in the industry and among investors that Samsung could fall further behind rivals SK Hynix and Micron Technology in HBM memory production.
SK Hynix is now the main supplier of HBM chips to Nvidia, and the company has been supplying HBM3 chips since June 2022. And since the end of March, SK Hynix also began supplying HBM3E chips to a client it declined to name. According to sources, deliveries have arrived at Nvidia.
It should be added that this week Samsung replaced the head of its semiconductor division, saying it needed a new person at the helm to deal with the “crisis” affecting the industry.
Source: Reuters
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