Micron Technology has unveiled its latest breakthrough in graphics memory technology: GDDR7 (Graphics Double Data Rate 7). This next-generation memory solution promises to deliver a significant leap in gaming performance, with Micron projecting a 30% improvement in frame rates for both ray tracing and rasterization workloads.
Built on Micron's advanced 1β (1-beta) DRAM process node, GDDR7 represents a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, GDDR6. The new memory technology boasts initial data rates of up to 32 Gb/s per pin, enabling a total system bandwidth exceeding 1.5 TB/s. This marks a 60% increase in bandwidth compared to GDDR6 running at 20 Gb/s.
GDDR7's performance gains stem from the adoption of PAM3 (Pulse Amplitude Modulation 3) signaling. This innovative approach encodes more information per signal cycle using three distinct voltage levels (-1, 0, +1), allowing for higher data transmission rates than the NRZ (Non-Return-to-Zero) technology used in GDDR6.
The gaming community stands to benefit significantly from these advancements. Micron reports that GDDR7 is expected to achieve over 30% improvement in frames per second (FPS) for ray tracing and rasterization workloads across various resolutions, including 1080p, 1440p, and 4K.
Beyond raw performance, GDDR7 also brings improvements in power efficiency. Micron claims more than 50% better power efficiency compared to GDDR6, along with new sleep modes that can reduce standby power consumption by up to 70%.
Reliability has also been a focus in the development of GDDR7. The new memory includes expanded RAS (Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability) features such as on-die ECC, host post-package repair (hPPR), and 9-bit CRC, all aimed at enhancing overall system stability and longevity.
While gaming is a primary target for GDDR7, its applications extend to other high-performance computing (HPC) and AI inference workloads. The increased bandwidth and improved efficiency could lead to reduced processing times for complex calculations and simulations in these fields.
GDDR7 comes in a 16Gb die density and is packaged in a slightly more compact 12mm x 14mm x 1.1mm form factor compared to its predecessor.
As graphics in modern games continue to become more lifelike and resource-intensive, Micron's GDDR7 aims to meet these growing demands head-on. With its promise of significantly improved performance across various gaming scenarios, GDDR7 could play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of gaming experiences.
Read Micron's GDDR7 Product Brief here: https://www.micron.com/content/dam/micron/global/public/products/product-flyer/gddr7-product-brief.pdf
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