Samsung HBM chips fail Nvidia tests due to high power consumption and heat dissipation issues - Reuters

The latest Samsung HBM (high bandwidth memory) chips failed Nvidia tests for suitability for use in artificial intelligence accelerators. The issue is that such chips consume too much energy and generate too much heat. This was stated by three knowledgeable sources.

The problems affect Samsung's fourth-generation HBM3 chips and fifth-generation HBM3E. The former are currently actively used in video cards and AI task accelerators, while the latter are being introduced to the market this year. This is the first report on the reasons that caused Nvidia's test failure.

Samsung stated that HBM is a memory product with tuning capabilities that requires "optimization processes according to customer needs." Samsung also added that the company optimizes its products through close collaboration with customers. The company declined to comment on specific clients.

Samsung separately stated that "claims of failures due to heat dissipation and power consumption do not correspond to reality" and that testing "went smoothly and according to plan." Nvidia declined to comment on this situation.

At the same time, three sources reported that Samsung has been trying to pass Nvidia tests for HBM3 and HBM3E memory chips since last year. According to two people, the results of a recent unsuccessful test for Samsung's 8-layer and 12-layer HBM3E chips were obtained in April.

It is still unclear whether these problems can be easily resolved. However, sources said that failing to meet Nvidia's requirements has heightened concern in the industry and among investors that Samsung may further lag behind competitors SK Hynix and Micron Technology in the field of HBM memory production.

Currently, SK Hynix is the main supplier of HBM chips for Nvidia, supplying HBM3 chips since June 2022. Since the end of March, SK Hynix has also begun supplying HBM3E chips to a customer who declined to be named. According to sources, the shipments have been received by Nvidia.

It is worth noting that this week Samsung replaced the head of its semiconductor manufacturing unit, stating that a new leader is needed to address the "crisis" that has affected the industry.

Source: Reuters