Samsung Unveils GDDR7: 40% Faster and 20% More Energy Efficient Than GDDR6

Samsung's GDDR7 offers a 40% speed boost and 20% improved energy efficiency over GDDR6, utilizing advanced PAM3 modulation and superior thermal management.

Introduction

Samsung has officially unveiled its latest breakthrough in graphics RAM technology: GDDR7.

This next-generation memory promises a significant leap in performance and energy efficiency, making it a key advancement for high-performance computing and gaming devices.

The new GDDR7 boasts a remarkable 40% increase in speed and a 20% improvement in energy efficiency compared to its predecessor, GDDR6.

40% faster than GDDR6: This substantial performance boost is attributed to the adoption of PAM3 signaling, which allows for more data transmission in the same signal cycle.

20% more energy efficient: GDDR7’s power-saving design ensures higher performance without compromising battery life.

Higher reliability: Improved thermal resistance reduces the risk of performance degradation and extends product lifespan.

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What is GDDR7?

GDDR7 is the latest generation of high-speed memory specifically designed for graphics processing units (GPUs). It’s the successor to GDDR6 and GDDR6X, promising significant improvements in performance and efficiency.  

What Makes GDDR7 Special?

Incredible Speed: GDDR7 is notably faster than its predecessors. It achieves this by employing PAM3 (Pulse Amplitude Modulation 3) signaling, which allows for more data to be transmitted in each signal cycle. This translates to smoother gameplay, higher frame rates, and better overall performance in graphics-intensive applications.

Enhanced Efficiency: Despite the significant speed boost, GDDR7 is also more energy-efficient. This is crucial for both desktop and mobile devices as it helps to prolong battery life and reduce heat generation.  

Improved Reliability: GDDR7 boasts better thermal resistance compared to previous generations. This means it can handle higher temperatures without compromising performance, making it more reliable and durable.

In essence, GDDR7 represents a major leap forward in graphics memory technology. It’s poised to power the next generation of gaming consoles, graphics cards, and other high-performance devices, delivering stunning visuals and smooth performance.

Samsung’s GDDR7:

Samsung’s GDDR7 graphics RAM is designed to push the boundaries of data transmission rates. It achieves an impressive 32Gbps per pin. This translates to a total bandwidth of 1.5 Terabytes per second.

This is a substantial improvement over GDDR6. GDDR6 maxes out at 24Gbps per pin and 1.1 Terabytes per second.

The secret behind this speed boost lies in the adoption of 3-level Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM3). This modulation technique is also utilized in cutting-edge technologies like USB4 and Thunderbolt 5.

While GDDR6X, found in high-end GPUs like the Nvidia RTX 3090 and 4090, uses PAM4, GDDR7’s implementation of PAM3 offers a balanced approach. It enhances data rates efficiently.

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Enhanced Energy Efficiency

In addition to the speed enhancement, GDDR7 is designed to be more energy efficient. Samsung reports a 20% reduction in power consumption compared to GDDR6.

This improvement is particularly significant for devices that prioritize power efficiency, such as laptops and mobile devices.

To cater to these power-constrained devices, Samsung has also developed a low-operating voltage version of GDDR7.

This variant ensures that even portable devices can benefit from the advanced capabilities of GDDR7 without compromising on battery life.

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Advanced Thermal Management

Heat management is a critical aspect of high-performance memory chips, and Samsung has made significant strides in this area with GDDR7.

The company has introduced a new epoxy molding compound (EMC) for encasing the RAM chips. This new EMC boasts 70% lower thermal resistance compared to the material used in GDDR6 packages.

The improved thermal conductivity ensures that heat is dissipated more efficiently, keeping the chips cooler and enhancing overall performance and longevity.

Industry Impact and Availability

Samsung’s GDDR7 is poised to have a significant impact on the graphics memory market. The increased speed and efficiency make it an ideal choice for high-performance computing applications, including gaming, professional graphics, and data-intensive tasks.

With its enhanced thermal management, GDDR7 also addresses one of the critical challenges in high-speed memory design.

The company plans to send out samples of GDDR7 to its key customers later this year. This will enable device manufacturers to start developing and testing GDDR7-based products, paving the way for the next generation of high-performance computing devices.

Samsung GDDR7 vs. GDDR6: A Comparative Analysis

Samsung continues to push the boundaries of graphics memory technology with the introduction of GDDR7. This new version offers substantial improvements over its predecessor, GDDR6.

This comparison highlights the key differences and advancements between GDDR7 and GDDR6. It showcases how the latest technology enhances performance, energy efficiency, and thermal management.

FeatureGDDR6GDDR7
Data Rate per Pin24Gbps32Gbps
Total Bandwidth1.1 Terabytes per second1.5 Terabytes per second
Modulation TechniqueNRZ (Non-Return to Zero)PAM3 (3-level Pulse Amplitude Modulation)
Energy EfficiencyStandard20% more energy efficient
Low-Voltage VersionNoYes
Thermal ManagementStandard EMC70% lower thermal resistance EMC
Key ApplicationsHigh-performance GPUs, gamingHigh-performance GPUs, gaming, power-constrained devices (e.g., laptops)
AvailabilityCurrently in useSamples to be sent out to key customers later this year

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Conclusion

Samsung’s introduction of GDDR7 marks a significant milestone in the evolution of graphics memory. With a 40% increase in speed and 20% improvement in energy efficiency, GDDR7 sets a new standard for high-performance computing. The adoption of PAM3 modulation enhances its appeal. Advanced thermal management solutions make it even more efficient.

These features make GDDR7 a critical component for future high-end graphics and computing devices. As Samsung begins shipping samples to key customers, the industry eagerly anticipates the next wave of innovation driven by GDDR7 technology.

Kumar Priyadarshi
Kumar Priyadarshi

Kumar Joined IISER Pune after qualifying IIT-JEE in 2012. In his 5th year, he travelled to Singapore for his master’s thesis which yielded a Research Paper in ACS Nano. Kumar Joined Global Foundries as a process Engineer in Singapore working at 40 nm Process node. Working as a scientist at IIT Bombay as Senior Scientist, Kumar Led the team which built India’s 1st Memory Chip with Semiconductor Lab (SCL).

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