RAM Basics

RAM (random access memory) ― this is random access memory, vital for temporary storage of system data. It acts as a very fast temporary data buffer between the classic drive and the processor. RAM caches data, stores temporary files and programme code: the data first gets from the drive to the RAM itself and is then processed by the central processor. Unlike the permanent memory of a hard disk or a solid-state drive, it needs electricity to store data in RAM, and when it is turned off, the data is erased. Physically, the RAM in the system is a set of chips or modules (containing chips) that are usually connected to the motherboard.

The history of modern RAM began with SDRAM in 1992, and 8 years later, the DDR SDRAM format took a dominant position in the market, displacing other varieties of DRAM from the market. Over time, the JEDEC Semiconductor Engineering Standardization Committee rolled out a new standard that could accept the same command per cycle, but could read two words per clock cycle. The second generation of DDR reorganized the internal memory structure so that it could work with four words simultaneously at the same clock frequency. DDR3 doubled the internal size of the data again, but at the same time increased the delay in their transmission.

Because of this, JEDEC decided to go the other way and with the transition to the DDR4 standard, instead of doubling the memory bus, it was decided to improve access to internal memory banks. This made it possible to increase throughput and increase clock frequencies, while reducing voltage. The problem was that in parallel with the acceleration of RAM, the number of cores in processors increased by leaps and bounds (thanks, AMD), so the bandwidth per core on an average computer remained at the same level. Despite the fact that only in 2016 we began to get used to DDR4, memory manufacturers understood the need for a new RAM standard.

DDR4 DIMM memory modules

DDR5 Specifications: Key features and how much faster is it than DDR4?

The main attention in the development of the DDR5 standard was paid to increasing the density of both memory and data exchange speed. According to official Hynix specifications, the new modules will be built on 10nm class (1Znm) chips and will provide an almost twofold increase in memory subsystem performance compared to DDR4.

The bandwidth of the working bar from Hynix is 4800 – 5600 Mbit/s per line, which is 1.8 times higher than DDR4. The maximum memory speed will increase from 3.2 to 6.4 Gbit/s, while the core density will rise 4 times (from 16 to 64 Gbit). Since the clock frequency is stuck at several hundred megahertz and it is not possible to increase it yet, developers have to do the same trick as with current processors, simply adding more cores and increasing the ability to process more tasks in parallel. Instead of a single 64-bit data channel, DDR5 uses a pair of independent 32-bit data channels that work with 16-byte data packets, allowing 64 bytes of information to be delivered in one operation.

The launch of DDR5 will occur at a speed of 4.8 Gbit / s, and the peak 6.4 Gbit / s and effective frequency in the region of 8400 MHz will have to wait until the process is optimized. To dilute the abstract figures with specifics, the Hynix press release cites the fact that with a fast enough SSD, such an increase in RAM speed allows you to transfer nine movies in Full HD with a volume of 5 GB each in just a second.

But that's not all. Due to the fact that DDR5 will be able to use separate memory chips with a density of up to 64 Gb and stack up to 8 cores within one chip, the volume of one bar can reach an impressive 128 GB! For comparison, the maximum volume of DDR4 is 32 GB, and the optimal bundle at the time of writing is 2 8 GB slats working in dual-channel mode.

Also, along with an increase in core density and bus bandwidth, DDR5 demonstrates better energy efficiency ― the operating voltage of the new slats is 1.1 V. It is also worth noting the improved ECC error correction system ― Hynix states that the new standard will be 20 times more reliable than its predecessor, which is extremely important for future technology. In the end, all this was started with an eye on the so-called 4th Industrial Revolution (these are the words of a leading Hynix engineer), which brought us 5G, augmented and virtual reality, big data, the Internet of things and the beginnings of artificial intelligence.

SO-DIMM DDR4 memory modules (for laptops)

Which components support the new format?

After production tests, DDR5 will reach consumer PCs. This will not happen until the second half of 2021, when Intel and AMD announce new platforms LGA1700 and AM5 with support for the new format. Intel wanted to do this earlier with the announcement of the Tiger Lake-H family processors, but later plans had to be shifted, since the production of DDR5 is at the earliest stages and is quite expensive.

When to wait?

Initially, it was planned that the release of new products to the market would happen before the end of 2019, and by 2021, DDR5 would take a quarter of the market share. However, the process was delayed ― the first prototypes from Rambus and Micron were announced back in 2017, but Hynix was the first to finish. Now analysts predict that in the near future other leading players in the face of Samsung and Micron will also announce the start of production of new RAM. However, there is no definite answer to the question "when to wait". First, the new memory will be run-in in data centers ― server manufacturers are willing to overpay if this eventually reduces the cost of ownership and calculations.

According to the forecast of the IDC analytical centre, by the end of 2021, the fifth generation of RAM will occupy almost a quarter of the market. A year later, by the end of 2022, it will be almost on par with its predecessor DDR4, and its share will reach an impressive 43% in total volume. The forecasts of analysts from TrendForce are not so rosy. In their opinion, AMD has nowhere to hurry, after the release of Ryzen processors, things are going great for them, the AM4 platform has not yet hit its ceiling, and the new Vermeer family chips on the Zen 3 core are just beginning to capture the market. Therefore, in their opinion, the first 5-nm AMD processors with DDR5 support will be released only in 2022. As for Intel, they already have enough problems, and the transition to a new RAM standard will not solve them in any way, but rather create new ones.

As an afterword

As the experience of implementing DDR3 and DDR4 shows, the guys from TrendForce are likely to be right. The current modules are simultaneously getting cheaper and increasing frequencies, if a couple of years ago 2400 MHz was the norm, now for the same money you can buy 3200 MHz HyperX Fury Black overclocking bars. And for enthusiasts, there are options like Patriot Viper Steel and HyperX Predator, operating at frequencies of 4266 – 4400 MHz. Add here massive 8-core processors (and in the future, 16-core ones) and the answer to the question "why rush to update" will not seem so obvious. On a bundle of 16-core "stone" and a pair of high-impact slats, it will certainly be possible to sit until the announcement of DDR6. Moreover, the first year after entering the consumer PC market, it will be expensive, and prices are likely to return to normal in one and a half to two years.