DRAM density has been flat for 5 years — maxed servers stuck at 8TB, CXL is the only way out

bexbsd · x · 2026-09-05

lauriewired points out that the DRAM density curve has basically flattened: a maxed-out server had 8TB of RAM in 2021 and still 8TB in 2026 — five years of stagnation. If your working set exceeds 8TB, tough luck.

His take: the only path back to exponential growth is alternative memory tiers that don't rely on CPU memory controllers — i.e. CXL. A reply notes that Felix (FelixCLC) has differing views on CXL, feeding an ongoing technical debate.

Related event: Server DRAM Stuck at 8TB for Five Years as Density Curve Flattens(3 posts)→

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