GDDR Memory Comparison: GDDR1 to GDDR6

This article compares different versions of GDDR (Graphics Double Data Rate) memory, outlining the key differences between GDDR1, GDDR2, GDDR3, GDDR4, GDDR5, GDDR5X, and GDDR6.

Introduction:

GDDR is a type of SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory) specifically designed for use in video and graphics cards. It’s often referred to as Graphics Double Data Rate memory. The latest versions include GDDR5, GDDR5X, and GDDR6. GDDR offers several advantages over standard DDR memory, including:

• High Bandwidth
• Low Power Consumption and Heat Dissipation
• Higher Performance
• Higher Capacity
• Higher Speed

GDDR1, GDDR2, GDDR3, GDDR4

The following table provides a feature comparison between GDDR1, GDDR2, GDDR3, GDDR4, and GDDR5.

GDDR5

GDDR5 memory is manufactured by companies like Samsung, Hynix, and Elpida. It’s widely implemented in a range of graphics cards, from budget options like the GT 740 to higher-end cards such as the GTX 1070 and RX 480. GDDR5 chips are typically square or rectangular. Besides graphics cards, they are also used in game consoles and high-performance computing applications.

Key features of GDDR5 include data eye optimization, adaptive interface timing, and data integrity.

Features of GDDR5:

• Maximum capacity: 8GB per die
• Maximum speed: 8 Gbps
• Bus width: 32 bit per chip
• Power consumption: Low

GDDR5X

GDDR5X memory is primarily manufactured by Micron. It is featured in graphics cards like the GeForce GTX 1080, GTX 1080 Ti, GTX 1060, and Nvidia Titan X (Pascal). Like GDDR5, GDDR5X chips are square or rectangular in shape.

Features of GDDR5X:

• Maximum capacity: 16GB per die
• Maximum speed: 10 to 14 Gbps
• Bus width: 64 bit per chip
• Density: 8 GB (JEDEC up to 16 GB)
• Performance: 10 to 12 Gbps (JEDEC 10 to 16 Gbps)
• I/O configuration: x16/x32
• Channel count: 1 channel
• Access Granularity: 64B/32B (PC mode)
• Package: FBGA190, 0.65 mm pitch, 14 x 10 mm
• VDD/VDDQ/VPP: 1.35V/1.35V/1.8V

GDDR6

GDDR6 is the successor to GDDR5 and GDDR5X, built on 10nm technology. It is manufactured by Samsung, Hynix, and Micron. This memory is used in gaming, VR (Virtual Reality), AI (Artificial Intelligence), and cryptocurrency mining.

Features of GDDR6:

• Speed: Up to 16 Gbps (or up to 18 GB/s).
• Density: 8 GB & 16 GB (JEDEC up to 32 GB), up to 32 GB per die
• Performance: 12 to 14 Gbps (JEDEC 10 to 16 Gbps)
• I/O configuration: x8/x16 (per channel)
• Channel count: 2 channels
• Access Granularity: 64B (PC mode) /32B per channel
• Package: FBGA180, 0.75 mm pitch, 14 x 12 mm
• VDD/VDDQ/VPP: 1.35V/1.35V/1.8V

Difference between GDDR Memory Types

The following table highlights the key differences between various GDDR memory types.