DDR6 will be the next version of the standard that defines RAM options for personal computers, and like every new generation, it will improve on the previous versions on several levels, especially in performance, efficiency and security.

Synopsys, a major memory controller vendor, has released a report that hints at some of the features we can expect from the next generation of DDR6 memory, and early data already suggests that the performance improvements will be spectacular: 10 times the bandwidth about the original DDR4 version.

DDR6, higher performance and capacity

According to reports, the DDR6 specification will consider a minimum bandwidth of 8,800 MT/s and reach a maximum peak of 17,600 MT/s, with a possible “extension” when the standard is stratospherically mature. Bandwidth 21,000 MT/s. To put the data into perspective, let’s say that DDR5 ranges between 4000 MT/s and 8400 MT/s, while DDR4 stayed between 1600 MT/s and 3200 MT/s.

About LPDDR6, the low-power variant used in notebooks or Mini-PCs, will range between 10,667 Gbps up to a maximum of 14,400 Gbps. It’s also much higher than LPDDR5, which starts at 6,400 Gbps. Although this standard has been improved with LPDDR5X (8,533 Gbps) and LPDDR5T (9,600) Gbps, it is believed that the following must be developed after five years on the market. These days we’re seeing the AI ​​capabilities built into platforms like Copilot+ PC require more memory and speed.

Like DDR5 and in addition to raw power, DDR6 will increase the number of channels and banks in each module. These architectural differences, as well as other factors such as memory timing, latency, power management, and error correcting code (ECC) capabilities, are factors that must be improved to continue to push the boundaries of memory technology. LPDDR6 will also introduce several security and energy efficiency features, including a “effective mode” which will reduce the idle power consumption of these memory devices.

All this information will be specified in the initial draft that JEDEC will publish this year. It is expected that version 1.0 of the specification will be ready in mid-2025. As a consumer, relax. The technology industry must stay ahead for years, if not decades, until the new standard is adopted. Currently, DDR5 memories are deployed in new devices and DDR4 is still the majority.

JEDEC has also recently approved LPCAMM2 (Attached memory module with low power consumption). It will be the biggest RAM upgrade in 25 years, but with reference to form factors and not on the operational characteristics that will be defined by the future DDR6 and LPDDR6.