RAM (Random Access Memory )

Hynix Announces 16GB RAM Modules


While 2 GB seem to suffice even for the infamous Windows Vista, PC games are likely to require more and more RAM coupled with a powerful GPU and CPU combo in the years to come. Take for example Crysis Warhead which requires more than 2 GB of ram to run at relatively smooth framerates. Sure, that might point to the fact that some game developers are unable to optimize their software, but the need for more memory isn’t limited to games and video encoding. The server sector is another important RAM devourer.

Taking all these things into consideration, Hynix Semiconductor, one of the major memory chip manufacturers, announced that it will soon launch MetaRAM's new DDR3 technology in its next generation R-DIMMs. This will bring the world's first 16GB 2-rank DIMM (HMT32GR7AER4C-GD) to the masses. The new modules have already been demoed at Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in San Francisco last week.

According to Digit-Life, DDR3 MetaRAM is similar to the previous generation of DDR2 technology that enables significantly more memory in a server. However, Hynix had to find a way for the DDR3 MetaRAM technology to enable larger memory capacity without negatively impacting the operating frequency of the DDR3 memory channel. The system on display at IDF had 24GB of DDR3 SDRAM and was capable of 1066 million transactions per-second (MT/s). Since Nehalem CPUs enable triple channel configurations, users may include up to 96 GB running at 1066 MT/s.

Hynix also announced 8 GB modules but the press release discloses no info on availability and price.

2.5Gbps DDR3 from Elpida 

Alongside Micron, Elpida is the most important memory chipmaker on the market. While Micron has already presented some breakthroughs in the SSD sector, Elpida continues to stick to DDR3 chips and now announces that it had developed the world’s first 2.5Gbps 1-gigabit DDR3 SDRAM.

Elpida introduces an optimized design based on a copper interconnect process and new circuit technology that not only enables faster speeds but also an ultra-low voltage operation of 1.2V while maintaining the current high-speed DDR3 specifications.

According to the press release, the key features of the new DDR3 SDRAM are as follows:

● Characteristics that achieve a next-generation DDR3 data rate over a range of voltages
Data rate: 667Mbps-2.5Gbps; voltage: 1.2V-1.5V
● Common-die solution for fast operating speed and ultra-low voltage operation
One chip enables a wide range of operating voltages and operating speeds suited not only to new low-voltage/high-speed systems but is also compatible with existing standard 1.5V systems. A product that meets customer demand for all kinds of system designs.
● 25% faster than products with aluminum interconnects and consumes as much as 22% less power.

The improved DDR3 SDRAM chips are intended for applications in the areas of servers and high-end PCs. However, I’m sure most DDR module integrators will also release gaming memory kits based on the copper interconnect chips. Sample shipments are scheduled to begin by the end of August. Elpida staes it won’t stop here; using a process shrink, the Japanese company is willing to enable the new memory product to achieve even faster speeds and lower voltage.

OCZ Preps 16GB Memory Kits 

A few days ago, I was a bit surprised to find out that even entry-level PC system s come equipped with 4 GB RAM. Admittedly, there’s no immediate need for 4 GB, lest you work with rendering and video encoding software or play Crysis. But memory integrators are practically ahead of time, providing 8 GB or even 16 GB memory kits.

OCZ is among the first to announce a 16 GB DDR2 800 MHz memory kit consisting of 4 modules, along with the 8GB 800MHz DDR2 Platinum, Gold and Vista Upgrade dual kits.

According to the press release, the last three will consist of two 4GB memory modules. The difference between the two 8GB kits is in the color of XTC heatspreader and the latency at which they work. The OCZ PC2-6400 Platinum 8GB kit runs at 5-4-4-15 timings, the Gold kit 5-5-5-15 and the Vista Upgrade 5-6-6-18. All 8 GB kits need 1.8 Volts and come with extended Voltage protection of up to 1.85 Volts.
The impressiv 16GB Quad kit works at 800MHz with 5-6-6-18 latencies at 1.8 Volts. It also uses black XTC heatspreaders and has an EVP of 1.85 Volts.
OCZ doesn’t mention anything about price and availability. Supposedly, the 16 GB kit will end up costing $600+.

OCZ Intel - optimized DDR3 Modules.

DDR3 RAM modules are starting to become quite affordable and I’m sure that, by the end of this year and as soon as AMD launches their DDR3 chipsets, this type of memory will become the solution of choice. Curiously enough, I haven’t heard much about any future DDR4 modules, but that is some other story. How about some speedy DDR3 modules optimized to run with Intel’s latest platforms?

It’s the OCZ guys again, this time with a couple of Intel XMP certified PC3-12800 and PC3-10666 kits, optimized to work on Intel's X38/X48 chipset. According to Fudzilla, the PC3-12800 Intel Extreme Edition, works at 1600MHz with 7-7-7-24 latencies. In order to facilitate overclocking capabilities, OCZ included a second XMP profile which makes the module work at 1800MHz with 9-9-9-31 latencies. It need 1.9 Volts and comes with Extended Voltage Protection (EVP), so you can easily pump it up to 2.0V without compromising the lifetime warranty. This one will be available as 2GB and 4GB kits and it is cooled by OCZ's Intel-branded XTC heatspreader.

The PC3-10666 Intel Extreme Edition works at 1333MHz with 7-7-7-20 latencies and 1.75V. Once again we see a second XMP profile which takes this module to 1600MHz with 9-9-9-28 latencies and 1.8 Volts. The EVP option works fine up to 1.9 Volts. It too will come in 2G and 4GB kits, with a XTC heatspreaders.