Fast server memory: Intel and JEDEC confirm DDR5-8800 for Granite Rapids

In a significant step towards improving the performance and security of next-gen server platforms, Intel and JEDEC have unveiled the capabilities of DDR5-8800 memory. This breakthrough technology promises to significantly increase data processing speed and efficiency, especially for AI and machine learning (ML) workloads.

JEDEC, the standards organization for the electronics industry, recently released its updated JESD79-5C DDR5 SDRAM standard. This standard extends the definition of timing parameters from 6800 Mbps to an impressive speed of 8800 Mbps, enabling a significant increase in performance. In addition, DRAM core timings and Tx/Rx AC timings are extended up to 8800 Mbps, compared to 6400 timing parameters and 7200 DRAM core timings in the previous version. Other key features of the standard include Self-Refresh Exit Clock Sync to optimize I/O training, DDP (Dual-Die Package) timings and the elimination of PASR (Partial Array Self Refresh) to improve security.

Intel confirms DDR5-8800 for Granite Rapids “Xeon 6” CPUs

While JEDEC highlighted the use of the new standard in next-gen high-performance servers for AI and ML applications, Intel itself has confirmed the use of DDR5-8800 memory on its Granite Rapids “Xeon 6” CPU platform, which is due to be launched at the end of this year.

Intel’s Meta Llama 3 benchmarks revealed details of the Granite Rapids “Xeon 6” CPU, which is equipped with 120 P-cores based on the Redwood Cove core architecture and 240 threads. The platform ran with 1.5 TB DDR5 memory (24 x 64 GB) with a clock speed of 8800 MT/s, which is the first official confirmation of the use of such high-quality memory in servers.

Significant increase in performance compared to previous generations

The implementation of DDR5-8800 memory in Granite Rapids “Xeon 6” CPUs promises a significant increase in performance compared to previous generations. Compared to DDR5-4800 supported by 4th generation Xeon “Sapphire Rapids” and DDR5-5600 found in 5th generation Xeon “Emerald Rapids”, DDR5-8800 offers a remarkable improvement in data transfer rates and latency.

Conclusion

The impressive performance of DDR5-8800 memory in Granite Rapids “Xeon 6” CPUs suggests huge potential for future platforms. It is likely that memory manufacturers will target speeds in excess of 9000 MT/s, and upcoming platforms such as Arrow Lake-S desktop CPUs could offer support for such high-end DRAM modules.

The collaboration between Intel and JEDEC in the development of DDR5-8800 memory marks a significant step forward in server technology. This breakthrough innovation promises a significant increase in performance, efficiency and security, especially for AI and ML workloads. Looking ahead, we can look forward to even faster memory solutions and their transformative impact on computing.

Source: Intel