Graphics memory technology in graphics cards is the backbone of every resource-intensive graphical computing. The latest generation of graphics card memory GDDR6 vs GDDR6X is an endless debate. However, it is an integral part of the overall performance of your system, especially for rendering, video editing, and other visual-intensive tasks. This blog will delve into the difference between GDDR6X and GDDR6 technologies, their characteristics, and which is better for your needs.
Difference Between GDDR6 and GDDR6X
GDDR6 and GDDR6X are SDRAMs (abbreviation) integrated on the GPU board. There are a few differences between GDDR6 and GDDR6X, the following section will explain them in detail.
GDDR6 vs. GDDR6X Speed
GDDR6 is widely used in mid to high-end graphics cards that have been developed by Samsung Electronics. It provides an optimal performance with a data rate of 16 Gbps per pin (each memory has 32 pins) providing a total bandwidth of 512 GB/s on a 256-bit bus. These performance stats make it a good choice for visual-intensive applications like rendering, machine learning, image processing, and more. On the other side, GDDR6X is an extension of GDDR6 and developed by Micron in collaboration with NVIDIA. It pushes the performance benchmark of graphics cards with PAM4 (Pulse Amplitude Modulation with 4 levels) signaling technology.
All these advancements allow a higher data rate of 19-21 Gbps per pin (each memory has 180 pins) and a total bandwidth of 1TB/s on a 320-bit bus. GDDR6X is well suited for real-time ray tracing, AI workloads, 4K and 6K rendering, and more. Replacing a GPU with a higher CUDA core count with one that uses GDDR6X memory is generally not recommended. For instance, when comparing the GeForce RTX 3060 Ti with GDDR6X to the GeForce RTX 3070 with GDDR6, the 40% increase in SDRAM bandwidth from GDDR6X does not match the performance boost provided by the additional 21% CUDA cores in the RTX 3070.
GDDR6 vs. GDDR6X: Power Consumption
GDDR6 is well known for its balanced approach between performance and power consumption. It operates at a voltage of 1.35V, which is a reasonable power consumption level compared to the performance it delivers. In contrast, GDDR6X consumes more power due to its higher data rate and PAM4 signaling technology. Therefore, GDDR6X operates at a higher voltage between 1.35V and 1.5V.
GDDR6 vs. GDDR6X: Efficiency
GDDR6 has better efficiency compared to GDDRX due to its advanced technology, which performs better. Graphics cards with these modern memory designs like PAM4 generate more heat creating the requirement for liquid or air cooling systems.
GDDR6X vs. GDDR6: Signalling Technology
GDDR6x and GDDR6 utilize different signaling technologies that directly impact the data transfer rate. GDDR6 uses NRZ (Non-Return to Zero) signaling technology. Each bit (0 or 1) in NRZ represents a single voltage level. Moreover, the amount of data sent in each cycle is restricted due to NRZ. Conversely, GDDR6X utilizes PAM4 signaling. In PAM4, there are four different voltage levels representing two bits of data (00,01,10,11) per frequency cycle. PAM4 allows GDDR6X to significantly increase a higher data transfer rate per pin.
GDDR6X vs. GDDR6: Latency
GDDR6 and GDDR6X have almost the same latency when it comes to communication. However, the data transfer rate has a huge difference that makes GDDR6X a responsive option.
GDDR6 vs. GDDR6X : Availability
In today’s market, Nvidia is the only company that manufactures graphics cards based on GDDR6X. On October 19, 2022, NVidia launched their GeForce RTX 3060 Ti which was the first to be based on GDDR6X. Future generations of graphics cards from both NVIDIA and AMD may continue to utilize GDDR6X or its successors. However, all the precious and current models like the Nvidia 4000 series, 1600 series, and AMD 7000 and 6000 series use its predecessor which is GDDR6.
GDDR6X vs. GDDR6 : Pricing
GDDR6 is more budget-friendly and generally utilized in mid-range to lower-high-end devices. The price of a GDDR6 card can go from $200 to $500 for mid-range cards. However, you can see a price tag of $700 for some high-end graphics cards. GDDR6X are premium graphics cards featuring a high-end memory, the price starts from $700 to $1000 for most resource-equipped devices. Note: these are the estimated prices of GPUs with GDDR6 or GDDR6X memory modules, so make sure you visit the manufacturer’s website for more accurate pricing.
GDDR6 vs. GDDR6X : Pros and Cons
Advancements in data transfer technologies have their pros and cons that you should consider.
| Pros | Cons | |
| GDDR6 | Lower Latency | Lower data rate |
| Power efficient | Lower bandwidth | |
| affordable | – | |
| GDDR6X | Higher Data rate | Higher Latency |
| Better bandwidth | Less power efficient |
GDDR6 vs. GDDR6X : Use Cases
Following are the use cases of the latest graphics technologies.
GDDR6 (Graphics Double Data Rate 6)
GDDR6 is a widely adopted graphic technology used by multiple GPU manufacturers. Below are some use cases of GDDR6. A Suitable Option for Cost-Effective Devices: GDDR6 is suitable for cost-effective devices where budget-friendliness and power efficiency are the main concerns. Professional Workstations: Best for workstations that require stable performance and efficiency for high-end tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and CAD applications. Embedded Systems: Appropriate for embedded systems in automotive or industrial applications where reliability and power efficiency are essential.
GDDR6X (Graphics Double Data Rate 6X)
GDDR6X is a newly launched technology and has been manufactured by Nvidia only. These are some of the use cases. VR and AR Applications: Beneficial for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications that demand high bandwidth for smooth and immersive experiences. Professional Graphics: Ideal for professional graphics workloads, such as real-time rendering, simulation, and AI processing, where high memory bandwidth is essential.
Graphics Cards that You Can Buy
Always go with top brands like Nvidia or AMD to get the best graphics cards with GDDR6 or 6X memory for your business. Computing Worlds has a range of graphics cards and GPUs from popular IT hardware brands for sale online.
GDDR6:
GDDR6X:
You can also request a bulk quote online for the top-quality graphics cards.
GDDR6 versus GDDR6X: Future Proofing
Graphics cards from AMD use GDDR6 memory design due to lower power consumption, making it future-proof, especially in AMD hardware. However, we can potentially see GPUs with GDDR6X memory from AMD as well. Moreover, intel already utilizes this new architectural design in most of the new GPU models. We can also expect to experience advancements in GDDR memory technology, such as the development of GDDR7. The 7th generation can push data rate up to 32 Gbps per pin, which will significantly increase the overall memory bandwidth. This increase will be crucial for the growing demand for high-resolution gaming, virtual reality, and professional applications that require massive data throughput.
Frequently Ask Questions:
Is Hot plugging available with GPUs?
No, GPU components are not hot plugging friendly so you have to turn off the system to change the components.
Why does AMD not use GDDR6X?
AMD opted for the more power-efficient standard GDDR6 memory modules over the faster GDDR6X solutions.
Does Nvidia Geforce 3080 use GDDR6X?
Yes, it uses 10 GB GDDR6X memory for better performance and throughput.
Is it possible to overclock or underclock a GPU?
Yes, GPUs can be overclocked and underclocked depending on the needs and requirements.
Overall, this was an in-depth comparison of gddr6 gddr6x difference and enterprises can opt for one that suits their needs. if you are looking to get a new GPU, Gddr6x is the better choice as long as you need absolute graphics performance from your system. However, if you are concerned about power consumption and do not need a super high-end GPU then opting for gddr6 is a better deal. After all, everything boils down to your needs and budget. Understanding the difference gddr6 gddr6x will help you make an informed decision.
For more such information about Graphics processing technologies, stay tuned to Computing Worlds Blogs.
