Micron debuts 2Gb DDR3 memory chips

Micron today announced they've created the first DDR3 memory chips with a capacity of 2 gigabit. These DRAM chips will enable memory makers to create 8GB and 16GB for servers and 4GB modules for desktop and notebook computers.

This increase in memory density is ideal for optimizing today’s memory intensive operating systems. Micron is now sampling modules based on its 2Gb DDR3 component for server, desktop and notebook applications. Commercial availability for the product is planned for the first quarter of 2008.

“The graphic intensive features and functionalities designed into today’s new operating systems are requiring more and more memory to perform at optimal levels,” said Shane Rau, program director for computing, networking and storage semiconductors at IDC. “IDC forecasts that, by the fourth quarter of 2008, the average desktop PC will contain nearly 2.1GBs of DRAM, the average mobile PC over 1.8GBs, and the average x86 server over 11.2GBs.”

Micron’s 78 nanometer (nm) 2Gb DDR3 memory technology provides increased speeds of up to 1333 megabits per second (Mbps), enabling better system and graphics performance, which provides for a more interactive user experience. For example, when operating at peak performance, DDR3 can transfer a 100,000-page document in approximately one second. And by reducing supply voltage from 1.8 volts to 1.5 volts, Micron’s 2Gb DDR3 provides a 20-30 percent memory power savings when compared to DDR2 technology. Further memory power savings can also be realized by using fewer components on a module, approximately 40 to 50 percent depending on module form factor. Reduced memory power consumption can save money on cooling costs in data center server systems and prolong battery life in notebook applications.

“Just as we led the market last year with the introduction of our 1Gb DDR3 component, we are leading the market yet again with our new 2Gb component,” said Brian Shirley, vice president of Micron’s memory group. “As power consumption continues to be a top concern in the technology industry, Micron remains the leader in the energy-efficient memory movement. It’s important that we show customers opportunities for them to reduce memory power consumption. In addition to the reduced core voltage of DDR3, our new 2Gb component allows customers to lower their overall system memory power consumption by using less chips on a module.”