Semiconductor analyst Damnang said Nvidia's NVHBM design could improve the chipmaker's position in negotiations with memory makers, provided several vendors qualify and can handle additional orders.
Damnang argues Nvidia could gain flexibility in placing orders if Samsung Electronics, SK hynix and Micron offer products to a common specification and multiple suppliers qualify. If approved suppliers can be substituted for one another, Nvidia could have more influence in contract talks, while memory makers face greater pressure to compete for business.
A high-bandwidth memory (HBM) stack combines data-storing DRAM layers with a logic base die that manages control functions. Damnang argues that Nvidia could exert more influence over base-die and system integration choices, while suppliers compete more directly in the DRAM they manufacture.
That potential leverage depends on whether another vendor clears Nvidia's qualification process and has enough production capacity to take on more orders. Suppliers that improve manufacturing yields may also have a harder time keeping the resulting cost savings, Damnang's analysis suggests. The reported outcome remains conditional on both qualification and available output.
