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NVIDIA has instructed Samsung to double its production of GDDR7 memory, according to reports from Korean media. This memory is used in NVIDIA’s latest AI GPU accelerators. The sources believe this increase in orders relates to these chips. Specifically, NVIDIA told Samsung it plans to double the amount of GDDR7 required, necessitating an expansion in Samsung’s GDDR7 chip production.
NVIDIA Ups GDDR7 Orders Likely in Preparation for Blackwell B40 China-Specific AI GPU Production
NVIDIA’s most recent earnings report highlighted its restrictions on sales to China. The company reported no revenue from the sale of its H20 AI GPUs there. However, CEO Jensen Huang mentioned in an interview that he was discussing with the Trump administration the possibility of obtaining licenses for the next-generation Blackwell B40 chips designed for use in China.
These Blackwell B40 chips are said to rely on GDDR7 memory rather than HBM memory, which is subject to US export control restrictions. Huang’s comments aimed to reassure investors that the company had future revenue potential from China despite not selling any H20 products there during the second quarter.
Today’s report from South Korea’s ET News suggests that NVIDIA anticipates obtaining US approval for these B40 chips. In a recent press conference at the White House, President Trump confirmed Huang’s discussions about Blackwell approvals: “Now, on the Blackwell, I think he’s coming to see me again about that but that will be an unenhanced version of the big one.”
According to sources cited by ETNews, NVIDIA has asked Samsung to double its GDDR7 memory production in anticipation of increased orders. It is speculated that these GDDR7 chips will be used in the B40 chips as NVIDIA prepares for large-scale sales to China.
The report also mentions financial details, estimating that the GDDR7 substrates could cost up to KRW200 billion or approximately $144 million. This marks a rare win for Samsung in the high-end AI GPU industry, given that it has struggled to gain acceptance from NVIDIA with its HBM products.
Reports have indicated that Samsung is eager to enter NVIDIA’s HBM supply chain by lowering product prices. Others claim that Samsung is reportedly supplying NVIDIA with HBM3e memory chips for use in the company’s latest Blackwell Ultra AI GPUs.
