Micron samples GDDR7 graphics memory

Micron Technology, Inc. has announced at Computex the sampling of its next-generation GDDR7 graphics memory built on Micron’s 1β (1-beta) DRAM technology. Claiming the industry’s highest bit density, the GDDR7 graphics memory offers four independent channels and delivers a 32 Gbits/s data rate with a total system bandwidth of over 1.5 TB/s. This is up to 60% higher bandwidth than GDDR6, Micron said.

Thanks to these features, Micron reports the GDDR7 memory delivers faster response times, reduced processing times and smoother gaming. High-performance features include an increased throughput by up to 33% and a reduction in response time by up to 20% for generative AI workloads, such as text-to-image creation.

(Source: Micron)

The GDDR7 memory also provides over 50% power-efficiency improvement compared to GDDR6, resulting in better thermal efficiency and battery life. It features a new sleep mode that reduces standby power by up to 70%.

By providing advanced reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS) features, Micron said the GDDR7 memory broadens the range of applications, including AI, gaming and high-performance computing workloads.

Micron expects that graphics cards with GDDR7 will provide a greater than 30% improvement in frames per second (FPS) for ray tracing and rasterization compared to GDDR6 and GDDR6X across 1080p, 1440 and 4K resolutions.

GDDR7 is the first DRAM device to feature PAM3 signaling, allowing for higher data transmission rates, as well as improvements in memory bandwidth and overall system performance, Micron said. It also addresses the limits of clock speed by transferring additional data for each cycle.

The GDDR7 memory completes Micron’s product portfolio for edge AI inference applications on CPU, NPU and GPU components with DDR, LPDDR and GDDR memory options. Cadence, a Micron partner, is currently sampling the Micron GDDR7 to test and validate GDDR7 PHY IP operating at speeds up to 36 Gbits/s.

Micron GDDR7 memory will be available directly from Micron and through select global channel distributors and resellers in the second half of 2024. Click here for more product information.