Micron has announced the shipment of its cutting-edge sixth-generation (10nm-class) DRAM node, giving them clear leadership in industrial and consumer markets.
Micron's Newest DRAM Technology Now Comes With Significantly Improved Efficiency & Performance Figures
[Press Release]: Micron Technology, Inc, today announced it is the first in the industry to ship samples of its 1γ (1-gamma), sixth-generation (10nm-class) DRAM node-based DDR5 memory designed for next-generation CPUs to ecosystem partners and select customers. This 1γ DRAM milestone builds on Micron’s previous 1α (1-alpha) and 1β (1-beta) DRAM node leadership to deliver innovations that will power future computing platforms from the cloud to industrial and consumer applications to Edge AI devices like AI PCs, smartphones and automobiles.
The Micron 1γ DRAM node will first be leveraged in its 16Gb DDR5 DRAM and over time will be integrated across Micron’s memory portfolio to meet the industry’s accelerating demand for high-performance, energy-efficient memory solutions for AI. Designed to offer speed capabilities of up to 9200MT/s, the 16Gb DDR5 product provides up to a 15% speed increase and over 20% power reduction compared to its predecessor.
Why this matters:
With the introduction of AI across the data center and the edge, the demand for memory has never been greater. Micron’s transition to the 1γ DRAM node helps address the key challenges customers are looking to resolve:
- Enhanced performance — Micron 1γ-based DRAM provides improved performance that will support the scaling of compute across a variety of memory offerings from data centers to edge devices to meet the demands of future AI workload requirements.
- Power savings — Micron’s 1γ node, using next-generation high-K metal gate CMOS technology paired with design optimizations, enables greater than 20% lower power, which leads to improved thermal profiles.
- Improved bit-density output — Micron’s 1γ node, leveraging EUV lithography, design optimizations and process innovations, results in greater than 30% more bits-per-wafer output over the previous generation and the ability to scale memory supply efficiently.
Micron’s proven DRAM technology and manufacturing strategy over multiple generations has enabled the creation of this optimized 1γ node. The 1γ DRAM node innovation is supported by CMOS advancements, including next-generation high-K metal gate technology that improves the transistor performance for better speed capability, design optimization and feature size shrink, all of which unlock the benefits of power savings and performance scaling.
Additionally, by optimally incorporating leading edge EUV lithography, along with advanced high aspect ratio etch technology and industry-leading design innovations, the 1γ node delivers industry-leading bit density advantages. By developing the 1γ node for manufacturing across global sites, Micron is helping to ensure better technology and supply resiliency for the industry.
Transforming products from cloud to edge
Serving as the foundation for future products, the 1γ node will be integrated across the Micron memory portfolio:
- Data center — 1γ-based DDR5 memory solutions for the data center, which enable up to 15% faster performance, deliver increased energy efficiency and help enable continued server performance scaling allowing data centers to optimize within future rack-level power and thermal design.
- Edge AI — 1γ low-power DRAM solutions offer improved power savings and increased bandwidth, enhancing the user experience with Edge AI solutions.
- AI PCs — 1γ DDR5 SODIMMs increase performance and reduce power usage by 20%,4 extending battery life and improving the overall notebook user experience.
- Mobile — 1γ LPDDR5X will enable exceptional AI experiences at the edge and continues Micron’s leadership in mobile technology.
- Automotive — 1γ-based LPDDR5X memory extends capacity, longevity and performance, while achieving speeds up to 9600MT/s.
About the author: Muhammad Zuhair is a hardware and technology reporter for Wccftech, specializing in the semiconductor industry and the complex interplay between technology, manufacturing, and geopolitics. His coverage focuses on the corporate strategies and technological roadmaps of industry giants like TSMC, NVIDIA, Samsung, and Intel. Zuhair's expertise lies in deconstructing complex topics such as fabrication nodes (e.g., 2nm process), the economic impact of policies like the CHIPS Act, and the strategic development of AI infrastructure from NVIDIA, AMD and Intel.
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