Micron to launch GDDR6 graphics memory this year

This is going to be an interesting year as far as GPU memory goes as not only are we expecting HBM2 to debut on AMD's upcoming Vega graphics card but it seems that Micron might be gearing to launch GDDR6 by the end of 2017. This new memory was initially planned to launch in 2018 but will arrive early and will eventually be used to phase out GDDR5.

Micron announced that it plans to start producing GDDR6 in the second half of this year, which is earlier than expected. With GDDR6, bandwidth per pin will be increased to 16 GB/s, which is ten times faster than DDR3. This is also a nice jump from last year's GDDR5X, which is capable of 10 GB/s per pin. It won't quite match HBM2 in terms of overall bandwidth but it will be a good option to have.

On top of being faster, GDDR6 will also use twenty percent less power, which will be great for future laptop GPUs. It seems that the current gaming market surge has prompted Micron to bring forward its GDDR6 release, with more people upgrading every three years rather than every five.

GDDR6 is expected to begin rolling out before the end of the year and should replace GDDR5 (non-X) by 2020 according to reports.

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KitGuru Says: It looks like 2017/2018 are going to be interesting years for GPU memory. HBM2 should start showing up on gaming-grade hardware in the first half of this year with GDDR6 becoming an option for late 2017 or early 2018. 

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