Memory maker Micron has begun sampling what it claims is the world's first third-generation DDR SDRAM chips developed specifically for graphics applications.

The memory, dubbed GDDR 3, is roughly one-and-a-half times the speed of the previous generation, GDDR 2, yet consumes half the power, just 2W, said Micron. That comes from a lower operating voltage: 1.8V compared to GDDR 2's 2.5V. GDDR 3 provides an aggregate bandwidth of 6.4GBps per device thanks to a 1.6Gbps per pin data rate. It clocks between 600MHz and 800MHz, but Micron reckons it can go higher.

As yet, GDDR 3 has not been ratified by JEDEC, the body that governs standards in the memory industry. However, Micron believes that will be a formality given the heavy involvement of a number of DRAM and graphics players in the technology's development.

Volume production is expected to begin later this year. ®

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