Hong Kong – Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has hinted at the possibility of expanding Samsung Electronics as a supplier for its high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, a critical component for artificial intelligence (AI) applications.   

In an interview with Bloomberg TV on Wednesday, Huang, who was receiving an honorary doctorate from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, revealed that Nvidia is considering sourcing both 8-stack and 12-stack HBM3E from Samsung. HBM stacks multiple layers of DRAM to significantly boost data processing speeds, making them indispensable for AI workloads.   

Samsung had previously announced in late September that it had begun mass production of both 8-stack and 12-stack HBM3E chips and had made significant progress in quality testing with major customers. The company expressed optimism about expanding sales in the fourth quarter.

However, Bloomberg noted that during Nvidia's third-quarter earnings call, Huang primarily mentioned SK hynix and Micron as key partners, omitting Samsung. Currently, Nvidia primarily sources its HBM supply from SK hynix. According to market research firm TrendForce, SK hynix held a 53% market share in HBM last year, followed by Samsung (38%) and Micron (9%). SK hynix began supplying 8-stack HBM3E to Nvidia in March and is set to start shipping 12-stack versions in the fourth quarter.   

Samsung's lagging behind SK hynix in the HBM market has raised concerns about its competitiveness in the AI chip sector. Securing a larger supply of HBM from Samsung would be crucial for Nvidia to expand its AI chip offerings and improve its market position.   

In addition to discussing Samsung as a potential HBM supplier, Huang also addressed the potential impact of tighter export controls on advanced computing products under a potential second Trump administration. He expressed confidence that global collaboration in the technology sector would continue despite any regulatory changes.

"Open science, where everyone can access research data and collaborate freely, has been a cornerstone of societal and scientific progress for a long time," Huang said. "Regardless of what happens with the new administration, we will strive to balance technological advancement and supporting our global customers while adhering to laws and regulations."

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