Due to the profound impact of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, the landscape of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) products has witnessed a rapid evolution over the past couple of years, catalyzing significant revenue growth for memory suppliers. Nvidia's strategic HBM ally SK Hynix has secured a leading position in HBM technology and is a primary provider of HBM3 high-bandwidth memory modules for Nvidia's diverse AI chips.
The dynamics in the HBM market have shifted notably with the emergence of HBM3e, as key players Micron and Samsung have intensified market competition. In 2023, Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung all forwarded HBM3e samples to Nvidia for rigorous qualification testing of the forthcoming generation of AI GPUs. This concerted effort aligns with Nvidia's strategic objective of expanding its supplier base to ensure a robust supply chain for future product iterations.
In a significant move in July 2023, Micron introduced the industry's pioneering HBM3e offering, boasting a remarkable bandwidth surpassing 1.2TB/s, pin speed exceeding 9.2GB/s, and an eight-layer stack enabling a capacious 24GB capacity. Micron leveraged cutting-edge 1β (1-beta) process technology in crafting the HBM3e sample, showcasing superior performance metrics and reduced power consumption. Surpassing industry expectations, Micron's offering outshined competitors, prompting swift uptake from customers. Micron is advancing towards a 12-layer stacked variant with a 36GB capacity, representing a remarkable 50% increase in capacity at a specific stacking height.
Micron's strategic win in securing Nvidia's initial procurement and the subsequent integration of HBM3e in the cutting-edge H200 AI chip underscore the company's frontrunner position in recent market dynamics, leveraging its edge in process technology. Despite SK Hynix's stronghold, commanding 54% of the current HBM market share compared to Micron's 10%, Micron's strategic alignment with Nvidia's supply chain positions it as a formidable contender, potentially disrupting SK Hynix's dominance.
Market expectations are rife with anticipation as the HBM market leader, SK Hynix, is likely to respond proactively by submitting a competitive 12-layer stacked HBM3e sample to Nvidia for validation purposes. Concurrently, Samsung has unveiled plans to enter the arena with a similar product offering, a 12-layer stacked HBM3e module boasting a 36GB capacity. With the anticipated arrival of HBM4 not slated until 2026, the interim period anticipates heightened competition in the HBM market landscape.
