DDR6 RAM, the exalted progeny of memory in the realm of high-end desktop PCs, promises unparalleled performance that surpasses even the most elite RAM modules of today. Yet, tis still in its infancy, with the cloak of mystery enshrouding its capabilities. Verily, the JEDEC Solid State Technology Association hath not yet bestowed its blessing upon a standard for this wondrous memory.
Nevertheless, some crafters of technology have embarked on the journey to craft DDR6, whispering secrets of its swift prowess and heightened energy efficiency. Thus, while it may not be worth tarrying for those seeking RAM today, let us delve into what we know of this future technology.
Pricing and availability
The dawn of DDR6 memory is not foreseen in the near horizon, for it cannot manifest until a standard hath been ordained. The initial manuscript of this standard is anticipated to grace us in the year of our Lord, 2024, with an official decree to be set forth in early 2025. This harbingers the potential birth of early DDR6 chips in the twilight of 2025, though when they shall grace actual products remain unbeknownst.
As we brace for several more epochs of DDR5 with the blessings of AMD and Intel CPUs, ’tis like to be many more moons till DDR6 doth adorn us with its presence.
The hesitation in deciding upon the specifications is said to stem from the JEDEC members being at odds over the choice of signaling standard. At present, the scales tip towards the Non-Return-to-Zero (NRZ) signaling.
DDR6 specifications
Lacking an official mandate for DDR6, we are bereft of solid specifications on the nature of a typical DDR6 module. Yet, whispers and tidings from internal JEDEC scrolls give us hints and inklings.
Tales from early 2024 tell of a twofold increase in bandwidth over the existing DDR5 standards, granting DDR6 a span betwixt 8,800 MHz and 12,800 MHz. However, more recent rumors speak of even higher bandwidth, reaching up to 17,600 MHz in standard garb, with a glimmer of hopes for speeds of up to 21,000 MHz on select modules. This vision is marked as a “possible extension,” suggesting a future DDR6X design or its ilk.
VideoCardz hath gathered these murmurs, including tantalizing whispers of the mobile variant, LPDDR6. These low-powered relics start at 10,667 MHz, yet they aspire to soar to 14,400 MHz.
Rumors also dance of DDR6 demanding less power than its predecessor, DDR5, though it remains shrouded whether the base configuration shall dip beneath 1V, as DDR5 can operate as low as 1.1V.
DDR6 performance
Though the twofold increase in specifications from DDR5 may foretell a grand surge in overall bandwidth, this may not translate to a linear increase in real-world prowess. Benchmarking tools may indeed unveil a mammoth boost, yet in the realm of games and applications, the difference may be but modest.
Our trials of DDR5 against DDR4 hath shown scarce more than a 10% variance in performance amongst comparable PCs. The findings of Puget Systems do echo these results, with a mere 20% uplift at best.
The vast bandwidth gains of DDR6 may not be as awe-inspiring, if they dost come to fruition. Yet, as newer CPUs, GPUs, and storage solutions emerge, they may better partake of the bounties afforded by DDR6’s added bandwidth.