Blazing fast DDR6 memory with 17,600 MT/s speeds on track to launch in 2027

[DragonSlayer101]

Something to look forward to: The next generation of PC memory is already in the works. With DDR6 expected to arrive in 2027, major chipmakers are laying the groundwork for faster, more efficient systems – raising the bar once again for everything from gaming rigs to AI workloads.

The DDR6 standard, drafted in late 2024, is slated for commercial debut in 2027. According to Taiwanese trade publication Commercial Times, Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix are on track with prototype designs and are now shifting focus to controller development. The companies are also reportedly working with Intel and AMD on interface testing, with platform validation expected to begin next year.

Both major x86 chipmakers plan to support DDR6 in their next-generation CPUs, paving the way for widespread adoption in AI servers, HPC systems, and high-end laptops. According to industry insiders, DDR6 will introduce substantial architectural upgrades over DDR5, with default speeds starting at 8,800 MT/s and scaling up to 17,600 MT/s – twice the official limit of current DDR5. Some reports suggest overclocked modules could eventually reach speeds as high as 21,000 MT/s.

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– Darkmont (@DarkmontTech) May 21, 2024

Another key upgrade in DDR6 is its multi-channel architecture, which features four 24-bit sub-channels. This design improves parallel processing, data flow, and bandwidth efficiency compared to DDR5's dual 32-bit layout. However, it also places greater demands on module I/O design and signal integrity.

Memory manufacturers are positioning CAMM2 as a key form factor for DDR6, especially in laptops and other compact devices. The new module design promises better performance, higher capacity, and improved efficiency compared to traditional DIMMs and SO-DIMMs. Asus and G.Skill recently showcased a 64GB CAMM2 module running at DDR5-10000 speeds, highlighting the format's potential.

Following the release of the DDR6 draft, the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council published the final LPDDR6 draft earlier this month, enabling semiconductor firms, memory manufacturers, and chip designers to begin testing and validation under a unified framework. South Korean media outlet The Guru reports that Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Synopsys are already developing LPDDR6 support for their hardware, while Samsung and SK Hynix – having worked on the standard for years – plan to begin mass production of LPDDR6 modules by year's end.

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Blazing fast DDR6 memory with 17,600 MT/s speeds on track to launch in 2027

 

[WhiteLeaff]

192bit in dual channel and with that frequency it will do wonders for iGPUs.

 

[toooooot]

Amazing performance. And only 2 years to go. I might do an upgrade, just to say goodbye to intel's troubled 13th gen CPU which I was unlucky enough to pick for my PC.
I suppose, by then SSDs will have a reasonable speed increase as well.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

192bit in dual channel and with that frequency it will do wonders for iGPUs.

Makes me wonder if we'll ever see a mega APU. 12 core CCD, x3d cache, 192 bit 20000+ mhz mus, and a nice 24+ cu iGPU.

Would be killer for media boxes.

 

[RaXelliX]

Amazing performance. And only 2 years to go. I might do an upgrade, just to say goodbye to intel's troubled 13th gen CPU which I was unlucky enough to pick for my PC.
I suppose, by then SSDs will have a reasonable speed increase as well.

2 years to where?

Zen 6 launches on AM5 in ~1,5 years. It will be another two years after that to get to Zen 7 and AM6 with DDR6 and then you need to add at least a year for DDR6 supply to stabilize, prices to come down and speeds to improve to a point when it's worth the upgrade.

With all that dont expect DDR6 until 2030. Nearly 5 years from now.
Intel likely follows similar cadence.

 

[toooooot]

2 years to where?

Zen 6 launches on AM5 in ~1,5 years. It will be another two years after that to get to Zen 7 and AM6 with DDR6 and then you need to add at least a year for DDR6 supply to stabilize, prices to come down and speeds to improve to a point when it's worth the upgrade.

With all that dont expect DDR6 until 2030. Nearly 5 years from now.
Intel likely follows similar cadence.

AI says 2027. It boost motherboard sales greatly when something as big as new ddr comes out. I believe they will all rash to release new motherboards as soon as they can.

 

[RaXelliX]

AI says 2027. It boost motherboard sales greatly when something as big as new ddr comes out. I believe they will all rash to release new motherboards as soon as they can.

That's is for servers only in 2027. Mainstream platforms always move to the new standard later. In this case around 2029.

And it did not boost initial DDR5 motherboard sales because it was expensive. Same will be true for DDR6. It will be expensive and not that much faster then the best DDR5 when it launches. It takes about a year to start being worth it.