Samsung announces world’s fastest graphics memory

Samsung has developed a GDDR5 (series five, graphics double-data-rate memory) chip that can transfer data at six gigabits per second - more than four times faster than that of current game consoles. The new memory also operates on less power at 1.5 volts, an improvement of 20 percent on the GDDR3 graphics chip.

To be be introduced on 512 Mbit (16Mb x 32) chips, the new GDDR5 is capable of transmitting moving images and associated data at 24 gigabytes per second.

“We’re pushing image enhancement to a limit never before realized, enabling the smoothest, clearest animation that gamers have yet to experience,” said Mueez Deen, Marketing Director, Graphics Memory, Samsung Semiconductor. “Samsung’s 512Mb GDDR5 will enable the kind of graphics hardware performance that will spur software developers to deliver a new level of eye-popping games.”

Samples of Samsung’s GDDR5 chip have been delivered to major graphic processor companies last month and mass production is expected in the first half of next year.

The company has high expectations for the new chip, which it hopes will become the de facto standard in the top performing segment of the market by capturing more than 50 percent of the high-end PC graphics market by 2010.