Overview
- Samsung has started mass production of HBM4 and begun commercial shipments, challenging SK hynix’s lead in AI memory.
- Chosun Ilbo and other outlets report Samsung is negotiating about $700 per HBM4 unit, roughly 20%–30% above HBM3E, with Bloomberg Intelligence estimating 50%–60% operating margins at that level.
- Samsung’s stock jumped 5.4% to a record 190,900 won after the pricing reports, reflecting investor expectations for stronger profitability.
- Industry sources say Nvidia’s Rubin platform will use a dual-bin HBM4 strategy, with Samsung expected in the top-speed tier and SK hynix anchoring mainstream volume alongside Micron.
- SK hynix had previously quoted HBM4 in the mid-$500s for Nvidia and may raise prices, while analysts and TrendForce note no single supplier can meet demand, reinforcing multi-vendor sourcing.