With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, data processing capabilities have become a key factor in driving technological progress. In this context, graphics double data rate memory (graphics DRAM) has become a new focus of competition for the three major storage giants, Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and Micron, due to its excellent performance and wide application prospects.
In July 2022, Samsung Electronics announced the development of the industry's first 32Gbps GDDR7 DRAM, marking a new milestone in the memory semiconductor industry. With a data processing speed of up to 1.5TB per second, which is equivalent to processing 50 30GB Ultra High Definition (UHD) movies in one second, this product has attracted a lot of attention in the industry. Compared to the previous generation GDDR6, GDDR7 has 1.4 times faster data processing and 20% higher energy efficiency, showing its great potential for high-speed data processing.
Graphics DRAM, especially the latest generation of GDDR7, has become an indispensable core component in AI accelerators, cryptocurrency mining, and other fields due to its high-speed data processing capabilities and excellent energy efficiency ratio. Market research firm Omdia predicts that graphics DRAM will account for 15% of the overall DRAM market by the end of 2024, up from 7% in 2022, a remarkable increase.
In July 2022, Samsung Electronics announced the development of the industry's first 32Gbps GDDR7 DRAM, marking a new milestone in the memory semiconductor industry. With a data processing speed of up to 1.5TB per second, which is equivalent to processing 50 30GB Ultra High Definition (UHD) movies in one second, this product has attracted a lot of attention in the industry. Compared to the previous generation GDDR6, GDDR7 has 1.4 times faster data processing and 20% higher energy efficiency, showing its great potential for high-speed data processing.
Figure: After HBM, graphics DRAM has become a new battlefield for the three major storage companies
Following in the footsteps of Samsung Electronics, SK hynix and Micron are not to be outdone, launching their own GDDR7 products respectively. In February 2023, Samsung showcased GDDR7 DRAM with a single-pin rate of 37Gbps. Soon after, SK hynix launched GDDR7 at 40Gbps, and Micron also launched a next-generation GDDR7 with a maximum speed of 32Gbps. The launch of these products not only demonstrates the strength of the three companies in technological innovation, but also indicates that the competition in the graphics DRAM market will become more intense.
The launch of these new products not only demonstrates the strength of the three major storage companies in technology research and development, but also further intensifies market competition. As GPU manufacturers such as Nvidia plan to adopt GDDR7 in their next-generation products, the market demand for graphics DRAM will grow further. This means that whoever is able to occupy a larger share of this market will be able to occupy a more advantageous position in the future competition.
It is worth noting that graphics DRAM has significant advantages over previous high-bandwidth memory (HBM). While HBM is equally good at data processing speed, its high price limits its range of applications. Graphics DRAM, on the other hand, not only has faster data processing speed, but also has a relatively low price, making it easier for users to accept. Therefore, in the era of artificial intelligence, the use of graphics DRAM is expected to expand further.
