21 Intel-validated DDR3 Solutions from Samsung

Intel will soon release its DDR3-compatible Bearlake platform and some memory manufacturers already provide DDR3 memory modules. Sporting high prices and latencies, the DDR3 memories are yet to be improved, making DDR2-1066 modules a better solution for now as related to price/performance factors. Samsung, being the world leader in memory technology, is willing to push the DDR3 standards closer to mainstream with the announcement of 21 Intel-validated DDR3 solutions. "The successful system performance of Samsung's DDR3 memory chips and modules on Intel's desktop platform is a clear sign that DDR3 is well on its way to becoming a key technology for desktops in 2007," said Kevin Lee, Vice President, Memory Marketing, Samsung Semiconductor, Inc.

Samsung claims that this is the largest number of DDR3-based solutions to have passed the validation program as of yet. The Intel-validated memories include thirteen modules and eight monolithic devices, which come in 512Megabit/1Gigabit densities and feature speeds of 800 or 1066Mb/s. Samsung did its best to provide a large variety of DDR3 solutions, directly collaborating with Intel for an early release of Bearlake-compatible memory modules.

Samsung also announces that the current Microsoft WinHEC 2007 Conference (May 14-15) will feature a high-performance desktop PC installed with 8GBs of memory on display. This system includes four 1333Mbps 2GB DDR3 memory modules, making it the fastest and most dense DDR3-powered setup.

According to Samsung, the DDR3 technology will greatly improve the DDR2 performance. Thus, DDR3 modules are expected to provide a peak transfer rate of 1.6 Gb/s, more than twice the bandwidth of today's DDR2 standards. The large bandwidth will allow for more complex 3D content in games and a smoother experience in Windows Vista.

Even though there won't be an acute demand of DDR3 memories until 2007, Samsung intends to begin full-scale mass production of its DDR3 chips later this quarter.