What is GDDR7? All you need to understand about the next-generation VRAM.

      GDDR7 memory represents the next generation of graphics card memory, already powering some of the top graphics cards available today. While many still utilize versions of GDDR6 or GDDR6X memory, GDDR7 VRAM is even faster and more energy efficient. Here’s everything we know about GDDR7.

      Micron

      What is GDDR7?

      GDDR7 is the latest type of GPU RAM expected to be used by most next-generation graphics cards to augment their memory capacity and bandwidth. As contemporary games increasingly require more from graphics cards, the demand for additional GPU memory is on the rise. Even AAA games on lower settings benefit from 12GB or more of VRAM, indicating that upcoming graphics cards will likely feature higher memory capacities across the board.

      The main advancement with GDDR7 is its performance, capable of reaching speeds up to 36 Gbps. This represents over a 50% increase in bandwidth compared to GDDR6X and significantly more than GDDR6. Micron has indicated that its GDDR7 VRAM utilizes a deep ultraviolet lithography printing process based on its latest 1-beta (1ß) process node during production.

      Another significant improvement is energy efficiency, achieved through new read clock modes that allow the memory to be accessed in various ways to optimize efficiency and reduce power consumption overall. When GDDR7 becomes available for gaming laptops, it will facilitate either longer battery life or, more likely, increased video memory to enhance gaming performance.

      Curious if you need a VRAM upgrade? Here’s how to check how much VRAM your graphics card possesses.

      GDDR7 vs. GDDR6 vs. GDDR6X

      Prior to GDDR7, the fastest graphics memory present in modern graphics cards, such as the Nvidia RTX 4080, was GDDR6X, operating at 22.4 Gbps. AMD's RX 7000 graphics cards use GDDR6 memory, which offers a maximum performance of 20 Gbps.

      In comparison, GDDR7 has the potential to operate at speeds of up to 36 Gbps, which represents a significant enhancement, potentially unlocking a major boost in memory bandwidth. This improvement is hoped to mitigate some bandwidth issues experienced by last-generation midrange cards, which have struggled with insufficient memory quantities and restricted memory bus widths. However, the higher expense of GDDR7 might result in it being exclusive to high-end graphics cards in the initial phase.

      Nvidia

      What GPUs feature GDDR7?

      GDDR7 VRAM became available to manufacturers in early 2024. As of now, AMD has not transitioned to GDDR7. However, in January 2025, Nvidia released two GDDR7 GPUs: the RTX 5080 and the more advanced RTX 5090 cards.

      AMD has not yet confirmed when it will introduce cards featuring GDDR7 VRAM, choosing instead to continue using GDDR6. Their decision to delay upgrades by not utilizing GDDR6X appears to be a cost-saving strategy.

      Jon Martindale is a freelance writer who occasionally coordinates sections, focusing on how-to guides, best-of lists, and other topics.

      What is SATA? Here’s everything you need to know about it

      SATA, or Serial ATA, is the connection standard for nearly all storage-related hardware linked to motherboards. If you've owned a desktop computer or laptop in the last fifteen years, it’s likely been compatible with SATA. This includes hard drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and optical drives, the majority of which have utilized SATA until recently.

      While some newer standards exist for high-speed drives, SATA continues to play a crucial role, particularly for larger HDDs and SSDs, alongside PCIe and NVMe.

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      Next-gen GPU memory will achieve unprecedented speeds

      Faster graphics memory is on the horizon, with Samsung poised to reveal 37Gbps GDDR7 VRAM, which would be the fastest memory of its kind seen so far. This innovation could yield significant advantages for next-generation high-end graphics cards, especially if included in Nvidia’s upcoming RTX 50-series GPUs.

      Samsung is presenting at the five-day 2024 IEEE International Solid-State Circuit Conference on a topic titled "A 16Gb 37 Gb/s GDDR7 DRAM with PAM3-Optimized TRX Equalization and ZQ Calibration," a detail originally uncovered by TechRadar. This suggests forthcoming advancements, although Samsung has yet to officially announce these faster memory versions.

      What is Display Stream Compression? Everything you need to know about DSC

      Display Stream Compression (DSC) is an algorithm that enables monitors and televisions to display resolutions and refresh rates that they would not normally be able to handle. It enhances the capabilities of HDMI and DisplayPort cables, allowing them to support higher resolution and refresh rates than they are inherently capable of managing. DSC functions largely without notice, and it’s likely that you have had it activated without your realization.

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