The GDDR6X memory shortage might force Nvidia to adopt GDDR6 memory for the high-end GPUs such as the RTX 4070.
NVIDIA Might Switch Some of Its GPUs Such As The GeForce RTX 4070 To GDDR6 Memory Due To GDDR6X Shortages
One of the reasons why most NVIDIA high-end GPUs perform great at higher resolutions despite boasting a narrower memory bus than AMD GPUs is due to their faster GDDR6X memory (along with increased cache).
However, it is now being reported that NVIDIA might face a shortage of GDDR6X memory modules soon. The original story originates from Board channels(via benchlife), which say that the GDDR6X memory may not be available abundantly, creating a shortage as soon as August.
NVIDIA outsources the GDDR6X memory from Micron but due to the failed quality checks of a GDDRX6 memory modules batch, the memory supply can be disrupted. This may force NVIDIA to produce some of the mid-range RTX 40 series GPUs like GeForce RTX 4070 with the slower GDDR6 memory. However, this requires changes to the GPU die itself along with several hardware and software-level tweaks. If it happens, it can result in a performance throttle at higher resolutions, particularly in the case of RTX 4070, which uses a 192-bit memory bus.
The shortage will not only affect the production of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 but also the higher-end cards that utilize GDDR6X memory modules. There are several SKUs above the 4070, including its SUPER and Ti editions, the RTX 4080/Super, and the RTX 4090, all of which utilize GDDR6X to achieve high memory bandwidth. The GDDR6X is currently the fastest VRAM type available on the RTX 40 GPUs, running at 21Gbps effective memory speed and up to 23 Gbps on the RTX 4080 SUPER. On the other hand, GDDR6 typically maxes out at 18Gbps on modern GPUs, which can reduce the overall memory bandwidth noticeably.
Nonetheless, it's still a rumor and thankfully, the disruption won't last forever. The supply will likely continue as usual after a brief pause and Nvidia may not need to resort to GDDR6 memory after all. NVIDIA is reported to adopt a supply and demand strategy to counter this situation and it's expected that the Chinese market is going to be affected the most by this shortage.
The RTX 40 inventory is still reported to face shortage due to a different cause. It's NVIDIA's focus on the huge AI demand, which can create a shortage of RTX 40 gaming GPUs in the coming months. The company is also limiting RTX 40 inventories as it approaches the next-gen gaming GPU launch cycle which is expected in early 2025.
It's reported that the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 and 4060 will be affected the most, and whether the availability of GDDR6X memory creates a shortage problem or not, the shift in Nvidia's focus towards the AI demand definitely will, resulting in a price increase of the current-gen cards.
News Source: Benchlife
About the author: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications. Sarfraz's hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany's Igor's Lab.
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