Graphics cards have become the most advanced component of a PC. Modern graphics cards combine state-of-the-art semiconductor technology and the fastest memory available and can easily cost more than a mainboard and a CPU together. Memory bandwidth is very important to data-hungry graphics processors trying to reach their full potential, which is why GPU (VPU) developers always adopt the latest and fastest types of RAM to enhance the performance of their graphics solutions. Earlier this year, JEDEC approved the new DDR-II specifications for memory chips and, by now, all the leading graphics chip developers have indicated that they are ready to implement DDR-II by year end.

ATI Teachnologies and NVIDIA both stated that they will be able to sample their graphics cards with DDR-II support in the fourth quarter this year, as stated at EBN. Moreover, some sources claim that the Canadian graphics chip developer already has a memory controller that can interface with DDR-II. Trident Microsystems is also said to follow up the bigger players during the first half of 2003. I do not know if it takes a lot of time to make DDR-II supporting memory controller, but since DDR-II has much in common with the original DDR technology, it seems to be quite natural that GPU developers already have their devices in development or even ready.

Currently JEDEC drafts the standard for the DDR-II platforms, including memory modules, chipsets, mainboards and all the other system-level specifications. Since graphics card is practically a separate systems, they do not need mainboard or module specifications to be officially declared by JEDEC. There should be one standard of memory and actual products available for purchase by graphics cards manufacturers, hence, as soon as the memory makers start the mass-production of DDR-II chips, graphics cards will be equipped with those. Presently Samsung, Elpida and Infineon have started sampling their DDR-II products with their clock-speeds varying from 400 (800) to 500 (1000)MHz. Mass production is set to start in the first quarter 2003.

As for DDR-II SDRAM system memory for desktop computers, it will be first introduced by the end of 2003 and will become mainstream solution in 2004.