LPDDR4X - will we see any of these ICs in desktop DIMMs?

[DrMrLordX]

Micron has apparently pushed the DDR4 spec (in the form of LPDDR4X) to DDR4-4266 speeds. They're fabbing these chips on a 10nm process. Does anyone expect to see chips like these on desktop DIMMs at some point in the future? Especially with DDR5 looming on the horizon?

 

[Billy Tallis]

LPDDR4 and LPDDR4X are not the same as DDR4. They require different memory controllers, and LPDDR4 is not yet supported by Intel's mainstream laptop/desktop CPUs. It's also unlikely that LPDDR4(X) can work on removable DIMMs—the bus uses pretty low power levels and maintaining adequate signal integrity across not just a motherboard but also the DIMM connectors is questionable.

Also, Micron's new LPDDR4X is using a "10 nm-class" process, which means "less than 20nm", ie. probably something in the 18-19nm range.

 

[IntelUser2000]

Also, Micron's new LPDDR4X is using a "10 nm-class" process, which means "less than 20nm", ie. probably something in the 18-19nm range.

The naming shenanigans for process is worst for memory. They have 1x nm, 1y nm, and 1z nm.

It's because the densest process is in memory and it reached its limits the earliest(because the limits are same whether its logic, cache, memory, or flash). You could pack probably an order of magnitude(and to clarify, 1 order of magnitude is 10x) or more transistors per mm2 compared to CPU logic circuitry.

For the original post, yes you'll have to wait for DDR5 to get faster memory standard. See the AT front page with JEDEC saying 4266-6400MT/s for DDR5. They are saying something about being able to transfer 30% more data at the same speed, but I doubt it'll be that high in practice. Still, 6400MT is pretty fast.

 

[DrMrLordX]

Hmm, kind of a shame, but oh well. I guess that means the DDR4-4000+ OC DIMMS we see out there are about as fast as DDR4 is ever going to get.

 

[Wall Street]

I guess that means the DDR4-4000+ OC DIMMS we see out there are about as fast as DDR4 is ever going to get.

Hynix recently gave a press realease about new DDR4 desktop DIMMs in production whic should be out in early 2019. The new Hynix start at 3200 (not even for binned chips). Samsung in theory also has new DDR4 coming next year which should start at 3600 speeds. Both of these are based on 1Ynmproduction processes while current Hynix MFR and Samsung b-die are based on 1Xnm processes.

 

[DrMrLordX]

Hynix recently gave a press realease about new DDR4 desktop DIMMs in production whic should be out in early 2019. The new Hynix start at 3200 (not even for binned chips). Samsung in theory also has new DDR4 coming next year which should start at 3600 speeds. Both of these are based on 1Ynmproduction processes while current Hynix MFR and Samsung b-die are based on 1Xnm processes.

Thanks for the heads-up. I feel a little silly having just picked up some DDR4-4400 for a 2019 build. Hah! At least it was only $280 . . .

 

[whm1974]

Thanks for the heads-up. I feel a little silly having just picked up some DDR4-4400 for a 2019 build. Hah! At least it was only $280 . . .

How much memory did you get, 16GB, 32GB?

 

[DrMrLordX]

16GB (2x8GB). There are no 2x16GB kits in DDR4-4400 of which I am aware.