Micron GDDR7 memory claims to take gaming to the next level and we can see why

The current generation of GPUs, Nvidia’s 4000 series and AMD’s 7000 series, respectively, are gaming powerhouses and use GDDR6X and GDDR6 memory types. However, Micron is now upping the ante and introducing the next generation of graphics memory, GDDR7, to fuel the GPU development efforts of tech giants like Nvidia, AMD, and Intel.

There is a clear difference in performance between Team Green’s and Red’s GPUs, partly due to the memory they use. Nvidia uses GDDR6X, whereas AMD opted for GDDR6 for lower power consumption, and we know how well they perform. So, GDDR7 has all the eyes on it as it promises a significant boost in performance across all resolutions.

What does GDDR7 memory bring to the table?

GDDR7 graphics memory uses 1β (1-beta) DRAM technology, which gives it a massive boost in performance compared to previous memories like GDDR6. It features 32 GB/s of high-performance memory and 1.5 TB/s system bandwidth, around 60% more than GDDR6, and despite all this performance, it’s 50% more efficient than GDDR6.

Its power efficiency should also result in a longer battery life and improved thermals. And if that wasn’t enough, it has a new sleep mode that effectively reduces the standby power consumption by up to 70%. So, GPU manufacturers should be able to leverage this technology to deliver even more powerful GPUs while keeping the TDP under control.

In addition, Micron claims that GDDR7 memory should increase the throughput and reduce the response time by 33% and 20%, respectively, for AI workloads.

As far as in-game performance is concerned, GDDR7 memory is shown to outperform GDDR6 and GDDR6X graphic memories in Ray Tracing and Rasterization across all resolutions at ultra settings. A 3.1-time improvement in Ray Tracing at 4K Ultra is nothing to scoff at; it just goes to show the performance gap between technologies.

AI workloads should also experience a boost as GDDR7 memory claims to reduce the response time by 17% and, as mentioned before, increases the throughput by up to 33% at data centers and in AI PCs.

Graphics memory comparison

We put together this table highlighting a couple of specifications to show you the difference between GDDR7 and GDDR6X.

Just by looking at the maximum density, we can see how much more powerful GDDR7 is. The chip density means how much information can be stored on a chip, and GDDR7 can hold twice the amount as GDDR6, which is nothing short of impressive.