NVIDIA is reportedly developing a new GeForce RTX 4070 model that will feature 20 Gbps GDDR6 memory. This update comes as NVIDIA faces shortages of GDDR6X memory, a more advanced and faster variant used in the current RTX 4070 models. This move aims to mitigate the impact of supply chain issues and ensure the continued availability of their high-demand GPUs.
Transition to GDDR6 Due to Memory Shortages
The new RTX 4070 variant will be based on the PG141 SKU347 design, similar to existing RTX 4070 and 4070 Ti models. However, it will replace the GDDR6X memory with 20 Gbps GDDR6 memory, resulting in a slight decrease in bandwidth from 504 GB/s to 480 GB/s. Despite this change, the GPU will maintain its 5,888 CUDA cores, ensuring robust performance.
The decision to use GDDR6 instead of GDDR6X is driven by a shortage of the latter, caused by a quality check failure in one of Micron’s GDDR6X batches. This shortage has affected the production of NVIDIA’s RTX 40 series, prompting the company to find alternative solutions to meet the high demand for their GPUs.
While the GDDR6 memory is slightly slower, it is more readily available, allowing NVIDIA to continue manufacturing the RTX 4070 without significant delays. This ensures that gamers and professionals can still access high-performance GPUs despite the supply chain challenges.
NVIDIA has not yet announced the release date for the new RTX 4070 model. However, it is expected to be priced slightly lower than the current GDDR6X models, making it a more affordable option for consumers.
