Samsung and SK Hynix Split on HBM4, Forcing a Design Choice for AI Chipmakers
At Hot Chips 2026, Samsung Electronics emphasized ‘active base die’ technology, transforming the HBM base die from a passive connector into an active logic chip using 4nm logic processes.
AsiaAI Publisher · August 24, 2026 · 3 min read · Source: 전자신문 ETNews
Samsung and SK Hynix are taking different paths in foundational HBM development. Samsung wants to put logic directly into the HBM die. SK Hynix is focusing instead on packaging and heat management. This split means the AI chip market will likely see two different HBM designs for HBM4 and beyond. Chip designers must choose where they want processing power and heat control to live.
The Korean press, including ETNews, sees this as a big gamble for global AI leadership. It is more than a simple technical decision. For Samsung, using an “active base die” is a way to keep control of the design. This method turns a memory part into a smarter subsystem. Samsung wants to combine logic and memory by using its advanced chip factories. This is a bold move to change how memory connects to chips.
SK Hynix is focusing on how to make chips easily and in high volumes. They are working on MR-MUF and hybrid bonding to solve heat and warping issues. This shows they want to push current HBM limits with proven packaging methods. Their pragmatic plan focuses on engineering to keep HBM reliable for dense AI systems. This method uses ideas from Japanese materials science and precision manufacturing for new memory stacks.
Both companies face big risks with how customers adopt their technology. Samsung’s active base die requires big design changes from chipmakers. This change could slow sales if the extra speed does not justify the complex design. SK Hynix has a more gradual plan but still faces a hard task. They must get high yields on 16-layer stacks, where heat control is very difficult. The market might not choose one best HBM type, but could use both designs for different AI tasks.
To see how this battle ends, look for specific design wins in 2027. We must see which design Nvidia, AMD, or custom chipmakers choose. We should also watch the yield rates for 16-layer HBM stacks from both firms. Output and reliability will decide the winner, rather than just raw speed.