SK hynix at NVIDIA GTC 2022: Demonstrating the World’s Fastest DRAM – HBM3

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SK hynix, a leader of future technology ecosystem, was the only company that presented its HBM3, a high-end product known as the fastest DRAM in existence with the biggest capacity, at NVIDIA GTC (GPU Technology Conference) 2022, which took place on March 21~24.

Known as the world’s best-performing DRAM, HBM3 is the fourth generation of the HBM (High Bandwidth Memory) technology*. SK hynix’s HBM3 uses over 8,000 TSVs per stack (i.e. over 100,000 TSVs in a 12-Hi stack) and can feature up to 12-Hi stack, which is an upgrade from the previous HBM2E’s 8-Hi stack. When fully stacked, it can offer up to 24GB of capacity. With a 16-channel architecture, it runs at 6.4Gbps, which is double that of HBM2E and which is the fastest in the world, expecting to further accelerate our digital life.

^*Previous three generations are HBM, HBM2, and HBM2E, which is an update to the HBM2 specifications with increased bandwidth and capacities.

Figure 1. SK hynix announced the industry’s first development of HBM3 DRAM in October 2021

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For instance, HBM has become a prerequisite for the Levels 4 and 5 of driving automation when it comes to autonomous vehicles, a topic that has garnered a great deal of attention nowadays. Also, HBM3 is expected to play an even bigger role along with the growth of High Performance Computing (HPC), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) markets fueled by the acceleration of digital transformation.

HBM3 is more than just a high-performing product. It will find a solution to the common problem shared by all data centers around the world.

As of today, the power consumed by a server memory accounts for about 20% of the total power consumption of a server, and it is expected to rise to about 35% by 2025. However, by gradually replacing GDDR products used in servers with HBM3, it is expected to help reduce power consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the future.

Figure 2. Save the earth – Reducing CO2 emissions with HBM3

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It is an undeniable fact that the number of data centers will only increase, and our commitment to the environment will only have to increase as well. Why hesitate to use HBM3 when it is right there in front of us?

SK hynix has presented Memory Forest^*, one of its latest initiatives demonstrating the company’s commitment to protect the environment and create a sustainable and innovative memory ecosystem. Just as a natural forest is a holistic ecosystem and home to a variety of living organisms, Memory Forest is a model that aspires to be a similarly rich and green ecosystem of ICT players.

^*Memory Forest (or Memory ForEST): Memory Forest is SK hynix’s latest vision in line with ICT industry’s calls to adopt more environmentally sustainable solutions and to create eco-friendly products and a sustainable ecosystem with customers and partners. “EST” stands for Environment (E), Society (S), and Tomorrow (T).

Figure 3. Memory Forest Initiative at a Glance

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In this regard, HBM3 is undoubtedly one of the best memory solutions for the recent ESG trend. HBM3 is the core product for the future technological ecosystem that SK hynix wants to build and will be the best option for the customers that not only meets the ESG standards but also boosts their corporate values.

SK hynix gave a presentation at GTC 2022, which will help you gain a deeper knowledge of HBM3. Check here to learn more about our HBM3 at GTC 2022!

Video 1. Yeon Seung Jung, Technical Leader of DRAM Product Planning at SK hynix, Presents at GTC 2022