SK hynix GDDR7 Matches Samsung's Overclocking Performance on RTX 5070 Ti

Earlier this month, rumors surfaced indicating that Nvidia had expanded its GDDR7 memory supplier base for its RTX 50 series GPUs to include SK hynix, in addition to Samsung. A Chiphell user recently tested a Gigabyte Gaming OC RTX 5070 Ti equipped with SK hynix memory and found its overclocking potential to be on par with Samsung’s modules, as reported by UNIKO's Hardware. Although the test lacked detailed thermal and efficiency data, the results were encouraging. Nvidia typically diversifies its supplier base across each new generation of GPUs to ensure multiple high-quality memory options. This strategy is common in the tech industry, particularly for products like SSDs, which may receive updated controllers or NAND flash modules over time. The goal is to maintain consistent performance, ensuring that all memory chips meet a minimum standard, such as 28 Gbps (or 30 Gbps for the RTX 5080), under specified power, voltage, and temperature conditions. Recently, a Chiphell user obtained a Gigabyte Gaming OC RTX 5070 Ti featuring SK hynix memory. They attempted to push the card's limits by flashing it with a BIOS designed for the Aorus Master RTX 5070 Ti, which uses Samsung memory. Unfortunately, this experiment resulted in the GPU becoming inoperable, or "bricked." However, the card's dual BIOS feature allowed the user to recover by switching to the backup firmware. Despite the initial setback, the user successfully overclocked the memory to 2,125 MHz, achieving a data rate of 34 Gbps. This performance is consistent with the overclocking results seen on Samsung-based cards, suggesting that SK hynix's GDDR7 modules are equally capable when it comes to maximizing performance. There is a prevalent theory that RTX 50 BIOS versions are tailored to specific memory vendors. Therefore, a BIOS designed for Samsung memory might not function correctly on a card with SK hynix modules, and vice versa. However, drawing a definitive conclusion from a single test is challenging. Historically, memory offerings from SK hynix, Micron, and Samsung have been largely comparable, but minor differences can occur. These variations can affect overclocking headroom, voltage requirements for certain speeds, and thermal performance, making each module a bit of a variable for enthusiasts and overclockers. To stay informed about the latest developments in hardware and technology, follow Tom’s Hardware on Google News by clicking the "Follow" button. This will ensure you receive up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews directly in your feeds.