
Introduction
The H5AG36EXNDX017N is a 16GB High Bandwidth Memory 2E (HBM2E) stack manufactured by SK Hynix, featuring vertically-stacked DRAM dies using Through-Silicon Via (TSV) technology with 1024-bit wide interface delivering up to 460 GB/s bandwidth per stack for AI accelerators, high-end GPUs, and HPC applications requiring extreme memory performance.
This advanced memory solution provides double the capacity of standard 8GB HBM2E stacks through 12-high (12H) die stacking, enabling high-performance computing systems to achieve both massive bandwidth and large memory capacity in single-chip packages optimized for data-intensive AI training, scientific computing, and graphics workloads.
Technical Overview
Core Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 16GB per stack |
| Stack Height | 12-High (12H) |
| Interface Width | 1024-bit |
| Data Rate | 3.6 Gbps per pin |
| Bandwidth | 460 GB/s per stack |
| Voltage | 1.2V core |
| Memory Type | HBM2E |
| Package | Interposer-based |
Key Features
Double Capacity:
- 16GB vs 8GB standard HBM2E
- 12 DRAM dies stacked (12H)
- Enables larger memory footprints
- Critical for AI model training
Ultra-High Bandwidth:
- 460 GB/s per stack
- 1024-bit parallel interface
- 3.6 Gbps per pin signaling
- Aggregate 1.84-3.68 TB/s (4-8 stacks)
Advanced Technology:
- TSV (Through-Silicon Via) 3D stacking
- Low power consumption
- Integrated ECC support
- Excellent thermal characteristics
Complete Specifications
Memory Organization
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 16GB (128 Gb) |
| Stack Configuration | 12-High (12 dies) |
| Capacity per Die | 1.33GB (10.67 Gb) |
| Channels | 8 independent channels |
| Banks per Channel | 16 |
| Prefetch | 2n (DDR) |
Performance Specifications
| Parameter | Typical | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth per Stack | 460 | GB/s |
| Data Rate | 3.6 | Gbps |
| Access Latency | 100-120 | ns |
| Power per Stack | 12-15 | W |
| Efficiency | ~31 | GB/s/W |
Comparison: 16GB vs 8GB HBM2E
| Feature | H5AG36EXNDX017N (16GB) | Standard 8GB HBM2E |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 16GB | 8GB |
| Stack Height | 12-High (12H) | 8-High (8H) |
| Bandwidth | 460 GB/s | 460 GB/s |
| Power | ~15W | ~12W |
| Use Case | Large AI models | Standard GPU/AI |
Applications
AI Training - Large Language Models
Massive Parameter Models:
- GPT-3/4 scale models (175B+ parameters)
- LLaMA, PaLM, Claude training
- Stable Diffusion, DALL-E training
Memory Requirements:
Model: GPT-3 (175B parameters)
Weights: 175B × 2 bytes (FP16) = 350GB
Gradients: 350GB
Optimizer states: 700GB (Adam)
Total per node: >1TB
Solution: 8× H5AG36EXNDX017N stacks
Capacity: 8 × 16GB = 128GB per GPU
Multi-GPU: 8 GPUs = 1TB total
HPC - Scientific Computing
Large-Scale Simulations:
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
- Molecular Dynamics
- Weather modeling
- Quantum chemistry
Advantages:
- 16GB capacity holds larger datasets in-memory
- 460 GB/s bandwidth sustains computation
- Reduces memory-bound bottlenecks
High-End Graphics
Professional GPUs:
- 8K video editing and rendering
- Real-time ray tracing
- Large 3D scene rendering
- CAD/CAM workstations
Capacity Benefits:
- 16GB per stack × 4 stacks = 64GB
- Holds massive texture datasets
- Enables complex scene graphs
AI Inference - Edge Servers
High-Throughput Inference:
- GPT-4 serving (ChatGPT-scale)
- Computer vision at scale
- Recommendation systems
- Real-time video analytics
Configuration:
- 16GB holds full model in memory
- Fast bandwidth enables batch inference
- Low latency for user queries
Implementation Considerations
System Integration
Multi-Stack Configurations:
| Configuration | Total Memory | Total Bandwidth | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4× H5AG36EXNDX017N | 64GB | 1.84 TB/s | High-end GPU |
| 6× H5AG36EXNDX017N | 96GB | 2.76 TB/s | Professional workstation |
| 8× H5AG36EXNDX017N | 128GB | 3.68 TB/s | AI accelerator flagship |
Thermal Management
Heat Dissipation:
- 12-15W per stack typical
- 8 stacks = 96-120W total memory power
- Requires active cooling (heatsink + fan/liquid)
- Thermal design critical for 12H stacking
Cooling Solutions:
- Vapor chamber heat spreaders
- Direct liquid cooling (water blocks)
- High-efficiency thermal interface materials (TIM)
Package Integration
Silicon Interposer:
- Routes 1024 signals per stack
- Enables multiple HBM stacks adjacent to GPU die
- CoWoS (Chip-on-Wafer-on-Substrate) packaging
- TSMC/Samsung advanced packaging required
Power Delivery
Voltage Regulation:
- Clean 1.2V supply required
- Current capacity: 10-15A per stack
- 8 stacks: 80-120A total current
- Low-noise VRM essential
Conclusion
The H5AG36EXNDX017N delivers 16GB HBM2E capacity with 460 GB/s bandwidth through advanced 12-high die stacking, enabling flagship AI accelerators and professional GPUs to support cutting-edge workloads requiring both extreme bandwidth and large memory capacity. Ideal for GPT-scale AI training, HPC simulations, and professional graphics demanding maximum performance.
Key Advantages:
✅ 16GB Capacity: Double standard HBM2E for larger models
✅ 460 GB/s Bandwidth: Extreme memory throughput
✅ 12-High Stacking: Advanced 3D integration technology
✅ AI Optimized: Enables GPT-3/4 scale training
✅ HPC Ready: Large in-memory scientific datasets
✅ SK Hynix Quality: Industry-leading HBM manufacturer
Designing AI/HPC systems? Visit AiChipLink.com for technical resources and memory architecture consultation.

Written by Jack Elliott from AIChipLink.
AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global independent electronic components distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers, and many of our in-stock parts is available to ship same day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is H5AG36EXNDX017N?
H5AG36EXNDX017N is a 16GB HBM2E (High Bandwidth Memory) stack from SK Hynix designed for AI accelerators, HPC systems, and high-end GPUs requiring extremely high memory bandwidth.
How is 16GB HBM2E different from 8GB HBM2E?
The 16GB version uses a 12-high stacked memory structure, doubling capacity compared with 8GB stacks while maintaining very high bandwidth through a 1024-bit interface.
What devices typically use H5AG36EXNDX017N?
It is used in flagship AI training GPUs, HPC accelerators, and advanced data-center processors that require large memory capacity and extremely high bandwidth.
Why is 16GB HBM2E more expensive than 8GB versions?
The higher cost comes from more complex 12-die stacking, lower manufacturing yield, advanced packaging, and higher thermal management requirements.
Can H5AG36EXNDX017N replace an 8GB HBM2E stack in existing hardware?
No, systems must be specifically designed to support 16GB HBM2E stacks, including proper mechanical clearance, thermal design, and firmware support.