I'm all for continuing innovation and advancement, but I think mobile RAM space has outrun mobile RAM usage. We need to see more apps that could actually take advantage of the 6-8GB common on today's high end phones and tablets!
Since mobile SOCs rely on system memory to feed both the CPU cores and graphics processors, it seems like there'll eventually be demand for that RAM, but maybe not right away. The trouble with applications that could use that much RAM is they'd also probably load the SOC to the point where it's demanding a lot of power. When fully loaded, modern SOCs can drink up battery power quickly which means the device user needs to recharge the device, or never leave the outlet to begin with. That sort of workload doesn't play well with how people prefer to use their mobile devices.
There have been complaints about the new macbook pros being limited to 16 GB of ram, and the official explanation is that 16 GB is the highest capacity for LPDDR3 that's available. Now with these new memory chips, maybe next gen's macbook pros will support LPDDR4.
So as long as the existing memory controller supports it (Intel pls), I don't think there's any major disadvantage with using lpddr4 versus soldered down permanently.
"Since the company keeps using its 21 nm fabrication process for its 16 Gb LPDDR4 ICs, the DRAM devices will likely consume more power than their 12 Gb predecessors."
If we assume the same frequency and voltage for both chips there are a few things left relevant for power consumption:
DRAM refresh: every cell has to be refreshed periodically. This power draw scales linearly with the number of cells, i.e. it's higher for the 16 Gbit die. But similar if one creates a certain capacity from either 12 or 16 Gbit dies.
Power per die: some functionality is needed once for every memory chip, e.g. talking / listening to the bus. This power should stay approximately constant, independent of the die capacity. And it would be lower if a set capacity is achieved with fewer chips of higher density.
So for any config using more than 1 chip I wouldn't bet on the new chips consuming more power than the 12 Gbit ones - independent of process and design tweaks.
We’ve updated our terms. By continuing to use the site and/or by logging into your account, you agree to the Site’s updated Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
8 Comments
Back to Article
MajGenRelativity - Tuesday, December 20, 2016 - link
I'm all for continuing innovation and advancement, but I think mobile RAM space has outrun mobile RAM usage. We need to see more apps that could actually take advantage of the 6-8GB common on today's high end phones and tablets!BrokenCrayons - Tuesday, December 20, 2016 - link
Since mobile SOCs rely on system memory to feed both the CPU cores and graphics processors, it seems like there'll eventually be demand for that RAM, but maybe not right away. The trouble with applications that could use that much RAM is they'd also probably load the SOC to the point where it's demanding a lot of power. When fully loaded, modern SOCs can drink up battery power quickly which means the device user needs to recharge the device, or never leave the outlet to begin with. That sort of workload doesn't play well with how people prefer to use their mobile devices.lefenzy - Tuesday, December 20, 2016 - link
There have been complaints about the new macbook pros being limited to 16 GB of ram, and the official explanation is that 16 GB is the highest capacity for LPDDR3 that's available. Now with these new memory chips, maybe next gen's macbook pros will support LPDDR4.http://www.macrumors.com/2016/10/28/new-macbook-pr...
RaichuPls - Tuesday, December 20, 2016 - link
It depends solely on Intel. Right now, none of their CPU designs support LPDDR4.ImSpartacus - Tuesday, December 20, 2016 - link
I believe x86 laptops can use lpddr4.So as long as the existing memory controller supports it (Intel pls), I don't think there's any major disadvantage with using lpddr4 versus soldered down permanently.
ender8282 - Wednesday, December 21, 2016 - link
Which high end phones have 8GB or Ram?yuhong - Tuesday, December 20, 2016 - link
I wonder when Intel will support LPDDR4.MrSpadge - Wednesday, December 21, 2016 - link
"Since the company keeps using its 21 nm fabrication process for its 16 Gb LPDDR4 ICs, the DRAM devices will likely consume more power than their 12 Gb predecessors."If we assume the same frequency and voltage for both chips there are a few things left relevant for power consumption:
DRAM refresh: every cell has to be refreshed periodically. This power draw scales linearly with the number of cells, i.e. it's higher for the 16 Gbit die. But similar if one creates a certain capacity from either 12 or 16 Gbit dies.
Power per die: some functionality is needed once for every memory chip, e.g. talking / listening to the bus. This power should stay approximately constant, independent of the die capacity. And it would be lower if a set capacity is achieved with fewer chips of higher density.
So for any config using more than 1 chip I wouldn't bet on the new chips consuming more power than the 12 Gbit ones - independent of process and design tweaks.