GDDR and HBM are leading technologies in VRAM for high-performance GPUs. While GDDR has been a mainstay due to its high bandwidth, its high power consumption is a drawback. HBM, however, offers higher bandwidth and significantly lower power consumption, making it ideal for advanced graphics cards like the H100 and A800 40GB Active. HBM's unique vertically stacked architecture enhances performance and efficiency, making it a premium choice in the market.

What is HBM?

HBM stands for High Bandwidth Memory. It uses a vertically stacked design, unlike traditional DDR memory. This architecture allows for greater capacity and bandwidth. HBM integrates multiple DDR chips stacked together, forming a high-capacity, high-bandwidth array. This design requires sophisticated manufacturing techniques, such as Through-Silicon Via (TSV) technology, to interconnect the DRAM chips and manage signal transmission and power efficiency.

Why HBM for GPU?

HBM aims to provide GPUs with more memory capacity and faster data access, essential for AI and visual applications. It overcomes memory access barriers, offering higher bandwidth, increased IO count, lower power consumption, and a smaller form factor compared to traditional memory technologies.

HBM Generations

HBM has evolved through several generations, from HBM to HBM3E, each improving processing speed and memory capacity. HBM2E, for example, offers up to 16GB capacity, while HBM3 and HBM3E provide even higher capacities and faster data processing speeds.

HBM Market Status

The HBM market is growing rapidly, driven by AI and high-performance computing demands. Despite its premium cost, HBM's revenue is projected to surge from $14 billion in 2024 to $38 billion in 2029. Leading companies like SK Hynix, Samsung, and Micron dominate this competitive market, with SK Hynix leading in sales and technological advancements.

Future Potential of HBM

The demand for HBM is expected to rise significantly, driven by AI servers, the automotive industry, AR/VR technologies, and the growing need for advanced memory solutions in devices like smartphones and gaming consoles. HBM's role in these sectors will continue to expand, with projections indicating substantial market growth in the coming years.

Note

HBM technology is integrated into GPUs. It differs from computer memory components, which you can purchase and replace independently. You can also sell used RAM when you are doing memory upgrades.

For more details, refer to the original article The Rise of High Bandwidth Memory.