DDR5 RAM is not yet popular, DDR6 is scheduled to launch next year

JEDEC is currently working on the next version of its memory technology for PCs, and things could get a lot more interesting if recent rumors prove accurate. Accordingly, DDR6 RAM modules will have significant changes inside, bringing unprecedented speed.

The first information about DDR6 RAM will be confirmed next year.

This information is based on presentation data recently leaked by Synopsys, the manufacturer of RAM controllers, with the source saying DDR6 will launch with 8.8 Gbps modules and eventually have can reach up to 17,600 MT/s and can be expanded up to 21,000 MT/s. Currently, the fastest DDR5 RAM module on PC has a data transfer rate of 8,400 MT/s (DDR5-8400), and faster modules are expected in the future.

JEDEC's presentation, shared by user DDR6 chips will operate differently than previous generations, using dual 12-bit data channels instead of the traditional 16-bit channels per module. Even though the data channels are shorter, DDR6 modules are faster, with a single DDR6-17600 module capable of achieving an effective bandwidth of 47 Gbps.

In fact, DDR4 RAM is still widely used.

The first DDR6 standard is expected to be launched by JEDEC in the second half of 2025, including LPDDR6 for mobile systems. The LPDDR5 standard is now five years old, and the next generation of low-power PC memory is expected to be slower than RAM modules designed for desktop computers.

Although the DDR6 standard may be finalized next year, PC manufacturers and assemblers may have to wait a little longer to adopt the new technology. Intel is typically ready to refresh its CPU platforms much sooner than AMD, but future Arrow Lake and Panther Lake architectures will likely continue to use DDR5 modules.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 29 May 2024