NVIDIA may switch RTX 4070 memory to GDDR6 with poor performance due to insufficient GDDR6X memory

August 3, 2024

NVIDIA is facing a GPU memory supply problem, and it seems that they are considering changing the specifications of high-performance graphics cards. According to multiple sources, there is a possibility that GDDR6 memory will be adopted in place of the current GDDR6X memory in the company's GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card. This movement is seen as reflecting the impact of supply chain issues continuing throughout the semiconductor industry, and there is a possibility that it will have a significant impact on the high-end GPU market.

📌 GDDR6X supply shortage affects NVIDIA's strategy

NVIDIA currently uses GDDR6x memory manufactured by Micron for high-performance graphics cards. This GDDR6X achieves a higher memory bandwidth compared to normal GDDR6, and exhibits excellent performance, especially in high resolution gaming. Recently, however, it has been reported that there may be a problem with the supply of GDDR6X memory.
Perhaps because of this influence, it was reported that NVIDIA may restrict supply of RTX 4070 to RTX 4090 graphics boards. Initially, it was also reported that there is a possibility that Nvidia is narrowing down supply for the next generation Blackwell RTX 5000 series and beyond, but apparently the truth is different.

The possibility that NVIDIA will face a shortage of GDDR6X memory supply from around August has been reported again by the Chinese hardware forum Benchlife. This shortage of supply seems to be due to the fact that some batches of Micron's GDDR6x memory modules failed the quality inspection.
In order to respond to this situation, it is said that Nvidia is considering adopting GDDR6 memory in place of GDDR6X in some models of GeForce RTX 4070 graphics cards. If this change is realized, there is a possibility that the performance of the RTX 4070 will be affected, especially when playing games at high resolution.

When NVIDIA implements this change, it is necessary not only to simply replace the memory module, but also to change the GPU die itself and make adjustments at the hardware and software levels. Specifically, it has been pointed out that the RTX 4060 Ti PCB will be diverted and the AD104 Ada Lovelace die may be used.
There is a possibility that this movement will spread to NVIDIA's entire GPU lineup. There is a possibility that it will affect not only the RTX 4070, but also the production of higher-level models (RTX 4070 Ti, RTX 4080, RTX 4090, etc.) using GDDR6X. There is also a view that NVIDIA is trying to differentiate its product line by allocating limited GDDR6X supply to newer Super versions.

On the other hand, there are also indications that this change is related to an increase in demand for NVIDIA's AI products. It is said that there is a possibility that production capacity for gaming GPUs will be limited as the company focuses on the AI market.
If these changes are implemented, the supply volume of the RTX 4000 series, including the RTX 4070, will decrease, and there is a possibility that it will lead to price increases. In particular, the impact on the Chinese market is expected to be significant.
Note that this information is only in the rumor stage, and there is no official announcement from NVIDIA yet. However, as supply chain issues in the semiconductor industry continue, it is certain that each manufacturer is under pressure to respond flexibly. Attention is being drawn to future NVIDIA trends and their impact on the graphics card market.