DDR5 RAM has only recently been released, but Samsung has confirmed that it is already working on the next generation of RAM. According to ComputerBase, at its 2021 Tech Day event, the South Korean technology giant revealed information about several next-generation memory standards, including DDR6 RAM, GDDR6+, GDDR7, and HBM3.
Samsung announced that the development of the DDR6 standard has begun, with assistance from JEDEC, a semiconductor engineering organization with over 300 members, including some of the world’s largest computer companies.
The report mentions that the standard could be completed in 2024, but given that DDR5 RAM was only recently introduced, it’s more likely that 6th-generation DDR memory will arrive in either 2025 or 2026. (and is already affected by supply issues).
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DDR6 RAM Memory
In terms of technical specifications, DDR6 memory will have twice the data transfer rates of its predecessor. It will thus be capable of speeds of around 12,800Mbps on JEDEC modules—four times that of DDR4—as well as 17,000 Mbps on overclocked modules.
The number of memory channels per module will be doubled for DDR6, with four 16-bit channels connected by 64 memory banks.
GDDR (graphics double data rate) is designed for graphics cards and is an essential component of GPUs. It should not be confused with DDR RAM, which is used for system memory.
In other news, Samsung intends to make the GDDR6+ standard available before the inevitable GDDR7 launch. It will reportedly reach speeds of up to 24Gbps, allowing future 256-bit GPUs to have up to 768GB/s bandwidth. Furthermore, GPUs with 320/352/384-bit bus layouts are said to achieve over 1TB/s bandwidth.
In addition to GDDR6, GDDR7 is expected to reach transfer speeds of up to 32Gbps. The standard will also include real-time error protection, according to Samsung. According to Wccftech, GDDR7 memory will be capable of 1.5TB/s through a 384-bit bus interface and up to 2TB/s through a 512-bit system.
There is currently no timetable for when the GDDR7 standard will be finalized, so consumers must make do with GDDR6+ for the time being.
HBM3 was another next-generation memory standard mentioned by Samsung. During the second quarter of 2022, the third generation of high-bandwidth memory will enter mass production.
HBM3 speeds of 800Gbps were mentioned by the company, which should power future CPUs and GPUs that require such high memory performance levels. Samsung also emphasized the technology’s suitability for AI applications.
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How to choose the right RAM
The choice between DDR6, DDR5, or DDR4 RAM is determined by the hardware in your system. If you have an older motherboard and CPU, your only option will most likely be DDR3.
However, if you already have a compatible motherboard and CPU or are considering purchasing one, DDR5 oe DDR4 RAM is a better long-term investment. It is slightly more expensive, and in some cases, at lower clock speeds, it may be slower than DDR3 RAM, but it will be supported by the most recent hardware.
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