Built on advanced DRAM and 4nm technologies, the new chips target growing demand from AI server makers.
Samsung Electronics has begun supplying samples of its latest high-bandwidth memory chip, the 12-layer HBM4E, to customers, marking a major step in its effort to strengthen its position in the fast-growing AI memory market.
The South Korean technology giant said the new HBM4E chip delivers over 20% higher performance compared to its earlier HBM4 products. The chip combines Samsung’s sixth-generation 10-nanometre-class DRAM technology with a 4nm logic base die developed through its foundry business.
The launch comes as demand for advanced AI memory chips continues to rise due to the rapid expansion of AI data centres and generative AI applications. Samsung’s key customers include companies such as Nvidia, AMD, and Google, which require high-performance memory solutions for AI servers and accelerators.
Samsung has been working to regain ground in the HBM segment after competitors SK Hynix and Micron established strong positions in supplying AI memory chips, particularly to Nvidia. The company had started shipping HBM4 samples earlier this year in February, and the latest HBM4E rollout highlights its accelerated push into next-generation memory products.
Investor sentiment improved following the announcement, with Samsung shares rising sharply in early trading. Analysts said the market viewed the development positively because early entry into new HBM generations often helps companies secure larger customer orders and long-term contracts.
The company also recently received a boost after AI startup Anthropic named Samsung a strategic infrastructure partner in its latest funding round. Samsung was specifically recognised for its logic chip capabilities, fueling expectations that the partnership could generate additional foundry business opportunities.
Industry analysts noted that if Samsung successfully completes customer qualification for HBM4E, it could significantly alter the competitive landscape in the AI memory sector, which has largely been dominated by SK Hynix and Micron in recent years.
