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SGRAM (Synchronous Graphics Random Access Memory)

SGRAM, which stands for Synchronous Graphics Random Access Memory, is a type of DRAM specifically designed for use in graphics applications. It is synchronized with the clock speed of the CPU, allowing for efficient data handling in graphics rendering tasks. SGRAM was introduced in the mid-1990s, with early chips such as the Hitachi HM5283206 and the NEC µPD481850 offering speeds of 125 MHz and data transfer rates of 500 Mbytes per second. It was used in devices like PCs, workstations, and gaming consoles, including the Sony PlayStation.

SGRAM evolved into GDDR (Graphics Double Data Rate SDRAM), which is a series of high-performance memory standards used in modern graphics cards. GDDR memory started as “GDDR SGRAM” but later became known as “GDDR SDRAM,” reflecting its double data rate capabilities and widespread adoption in the graphics industry. GDDR SDRAM has become the standard for graphics memory in modern graphics cards due to its higher clock frequencies and greater memory bandwidth, which are essential for today's high-performance GPUs.

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