JEDEC has revealed DDR6 memory specs, slated between 8.8Gbps and 17.6Gbps. The future of RAM seems to continue towards faster clocks and higher capacity, at least until some version of LPCAMM debuts on desktop machines.
Memory standardisation body JEDEC has outlined DDR6, the future consumer RAM standard. This next-gen memory is set to offer between 8.8Gbps and 17.6Gbps transfer speeds using the same UDIMM format currently available. For those confused, 17.6Gbps DDR6 RAM is just another way of saying DDR6 at 17,600MT/s or DDR6-17600.
Speed aside, the DDR6 standard has not yet been finalised as the organisation hasn’t settled on the signalling mode (PAM vs. NRZ), though primary conversations point towards NRZ. While DDR5 currently offers around 8,000MT/s, DDR6 should run laps around it with its 17,600MT/s speed. This isn’t to forget any overclocked models from brands like Corsair and Kingston, which could hit 21,000MT/s.
Meanwhile, the organisation has also set the speed for LPDDR6 variants, this time ranging from 10.667Gbps and 14.4Gbps. For reference, this is faster than Samsung’s yet-to-be-released 10.7Gbps LPDDR5X memory. LPDDR6 will also use a 24-bit wide channel made of two 12-bit sub-channels.
Do note, however, that for both DDR6 and LPDDR6 RAM, the stated speeds are not the maximum each standard can reach. Like with DDR5 and LPDDR5, these are introductory brackets that will surely be surpassed as manufacturing matures.
Due to its slow adoption – with Intel offering it alongside DDR4 and AMD beginning its use with the AM5 platform – DDR5 feels new, even though it’s nearly four years old. At the same time, if everything goes as planned, DDR6 should reach our machines around 2026, which makes the former feel more short-lived. That said, even if DDR6 releases on time, adoption may take a little while, especially if apps and games don’t leverage its extra speed. But as enthusiasts, we’re eager to try it out ASAP.
