How will GDDR7's 2024 launch impact GPUs, graphic cards

The availability of GDDR7 memory in the first half of 2024 is expected to revive graphics card designs with speeds of up to 36 Gbps, outperforming the GDDR6 and GDDR6X video-RAM technologies that have been around since 2018. Though it’s still not clear whether Micron will make GDDR7 devices available for commercial use or if this timeline merely marks the end of GDDR7’s development work.

Another question mark: how will GPU suppliers respond to this timeline? A new encoding mechanism in GDDR7 means that this upgrade will require new memory controllers and thus new graphics processors.

While Micron hasn’t provided details about this new memory technology, according to information disclosed by Cadence Design Systems, GDDR7 will use PAM3 signaling, a three-level pulse amplitude modulation technique that enables the transfer of three bits over a span of two cycles. PAM3, compared to the two-level NRZ scheme used by GDDR6, will offer a more efficient data transmission rate per cycle, reducing the need to upgrade to higher memory interface clocks and addressing the subsequent signal loss challenges.

Cadence has already unveiled a GDDR7 verification solution for designers who must ensure that their controllers and PHY devices comply with the upcoming VRAM specification. Once GDDR7 is here, it’s expected to bring a massive boost in bandwidth for graphics cards.

Advancements in LED Drivers for Next-Generation Automotive Exterior Lighting09.18.2023

Reducing the Production Cost of Integrated Circuits in the Integration Era09.14.2023

Democratizing Edge AI and ML with a No Code Approach09.12.2023

According to a report published in Wccftech, Micron aims to offer 36 Gbps of bandwidth per pin. Currently, Nvidia’s GDDR6X-based graphics cards provide a maximum speed of 22 Gbps, while it’s 20 Gbps for AMD’s GDDR6-based graphics solutions. So, bandwidth per pin will drastically increase when GPUs are equipped with GDDR7 memory.

The new technology will likely ease the challenges related to limited VRAM and memory bandwidth. At the same time, however, it could also boost the market for GPUs and graphics cards, which many already consider overpriced.

Related Content

Picture-perfect memoryNew Uses Vie for GDDR6 SupplyGDDR memory finds growing use in AIEmerging Applications Could Transform GDDR MarketMemory Technologies Confront Edge AI’s Diverse Challenges