Micron Joins GDDR7 Race with 36 Gbps Modules, But Still Trails Samsung and SK Hynix

Micron Enters 3GB GDDR7 Market with 36 Gbps Modules

Micron has officially joined the 3GB GDDR7 memory market, introducing modules that operate at 36 Gbps bandwidth. The announcement comes as the company seeks to compete with established players Samsung and SK Hynix in the high-performance graphics memory space.

Technical Specifications and Performance

The new Micron GDDR7 modules represent a 12.5% improvement over the initial GDDR7 modules that launched at 32 Gbps. However, Micron's offering still lags behind its competitors:

• Micron: 36 Gbps
• SK Hynix: 40 Gbps (with 48 Gbps models in development)
• Samsung: 42.5 Gbps

While these speed differences might seem significant on paper, the current GPU market doesn't demand the highest available memory speeds. According to industry analysis, there are no existing Nvidia graphics cards utilizing GDDR7 speeds anywhere near 40 Gbps or higher.

Current GPU Memory Speed Landscape

The highest GDDR7 transfer speeds on current-generation GPUs include:

• RTX 5080: 30 Gbps
• RTX 5090: 28 Gbps
• RTX 5070 Ti: Overclocked to 34 Gbps (SK Hynix/Samsung)
• RTX 5090D: Overclocked to 34 Gbps (SK Hynix/Samsung)

This performance gap between available memory speeds and actual GPU requirements explains why Micron's 36 Gbps modules are sufficient for current market needs, despite being slower than competing offerings.

Market Implications and Supply Chain Benefits

The introduction of a third manufacturer for 3GB GDDR7 modules has significant implications for the GPU industry. Nvidia is already sourcing 3GB GDDR7 chips from both Samsung and SK Hynix, and the addition of Micron to the supply chain helps address ongoing NAND flash and memory shortages.

Currently, the only Nvidia GPUs utilizing 3GB GDDR7 include:

• Laptop-variant RTX 5090
• RTX Pro 6000 Blackwell workstation GPU

Industry speculation suggests that if Nvidia launches an RTX 50 Super series, all rumored GPUs in that lineup—including the RTX 5080 Super, 5070 Super, and 5060 Super—would likely use 3GB modules.

Future Outlook

While current GPU designs don't require the highest available GDDR7 speeds, future architectures may take advantage of faster memory. The next-generation RTX 60 series or upcoming AMD Radeon GPUs could potentially leverage memory speeds exceeding 40 Gbps.

For now, Micron's entry into the 3GB GDDR7 market provides valuable supply chain diversification without the need for cutting-edge speeds that current GPU designs cannot fully utilize. This strategic positioning allows Micron to compete in the high-performance memory market while avoiding the development costs associated with pushing the absolute performance limits of GDDR7 technology.

The memory market continues to evolve rapidly, with each manufacturer finding its niche between raw performance and practical market requirements. Micron's 36 Gbps offering represents a balanced approach that addresses current supply constraints while maintaining competitive positioning for future GPU architectures.